Chapter 26: In the Name of Raymond
Alex let out a steady breath, gave a small nod, and picked up where he left off.
He told her about his background. All he's been up to. His dreams. What NEOSPACE truly meant. How it wasn't just an idea, it was hope. For every child who ever looked at a laptop and wished they had access. For every dreamer who had ideas but no one to believe in them. And how NEOSPACE would be the place where those dreams would finally find light.
Rebecca listened quietly. She didn't interrupt, didn't flinch. Alex sat on the edge of his nerves, watching her unreadable face. Every nod, every pause felt like a puzzle piece, was she impressed or not? He couldn't tell. All he could do was wait.
She flipped through the pages of the plan. Occasionally nodding. Asking sharp, specific questions. Alex answered each with clarity, his voice sometimes shaking, but always honest.
Then, a silence.
She closed the file. Looked at him.
And said, "What you have, Alex... it's rare. It's real. And above all, it has potential. And that's exactly what we do at POWER. We invest in minds. In people. In vision."
Alex froze.
Did she just say...?
"I'd be glad to handle this project with you," she continued. "You'll lead it. But we'll fuel it. Strategically, financially and structurally."
She reached into her purse and pulled out a small, sleek business card.