't from his assistant. The name flashing on the

tling to secure funding for his first major project. While Ken had taken the corporate path to power, Ethan had built his wealth through venture capital,

ice sharp but warm. "Ethan. T

just got off a call with Parker from Venture Horizons. Heard a lit

Ethan had a knack for cuttin

t she's also... stubborn. Not your usual ac

said firmly, walking back to

sbelief. "Partnership? Since when do you do partnersh

n't the point here. Her AI work is ahead of its time. If she

make sure that happens," Etha

s different," he said finally. "Not just in her work, but in how she thinks. She's ambi

ously like someone I

hy it'll work. She doesn't need someone to guide her-

ning on the other end of the line. Finally, Ethan said, "You've got i

his isn't personal, E

as sharp as you say she is, she'll know when you're bullshitting her. B

mind. "She's not like the others," he said quietly. "And that's exa

"Well, if anyone can pull it off, it's you. Just don't forget-part

lities. Ethan's advice was sound, as always, but Ken already knew that tru

, Ethan's words still ringing in his ears: "Partners aren

ccustomed to doubt, but something about this situation-about Eileen-made him pause. Ethan had a

me, Ethan hadn't waited for Ken

hinking about i

ack. "Aren't you suppos

ly. Ethan: "This is my clock.

ed Ethan's persistence. Against his

it go, could you?" Ken

tone," Ethan replied.

id firmly. "I just don't

cal, but not mocking. "You're Ken Ashfor

of mistakes," Ken

here I thought humility di

with before, Ethan. She doesn't care about my name, my reputation, or what I can offer. She car

said. "You're used to people seeing your offe

like me don't exactly have the best track record with founders like her. Too many of

. Show her that you're not here to take over. You're here to help her build. But Ken, if you're g

Kenn admitted, hi

u see potential where others see risk. And for what it's worth, I think you're right abo

sing slightly. "Since when d

ce I realized you'd

ble silence, the camaraderie bet

han," Ken s

eplied. "And Ken? Don't ove

strange mix of clarity and determination. Ethan was right-Eileen wasn't

far he was willing