Vincent McLaren’s heart sank as he watched the investors depart, one by one. Even Sidney Johnson, the organizer’s assistant, couldn’t resist a parting shot: “Ah, you’re not the first starry-eyed entrepreneur I’ve seen. Better luck next time—if you’re lucky.” The light in Vincent’s eyes dimmed, replaced by despair.
“There won’t be a next time,” he thought. His small company of six had risked everything on this single opportunity, and he felt he had let them all down. Closing his eyes, a grim resolve took hold. The thought of ending it all—escaping the judgment and disappointment—crossed his mind. But just as that dark thought solidified, a clear voice rang out.
“I can listen.”
He spun around, startled. A young woman stood there, her face serene, her expression warm and devoid of mockery. Her gaze held the same gentle reassurance he’d felt earlier, a calm yet uplifting presence. He froze, unsure how to respond. Felicia, however, had already taken a seat in the empty venue, gesturing for him to begin. He hesitated, then followed.
Unlike the sharply dressed investors, Felicia sat casually, her jacket draped over the chair, a white sweater and simple blue jeans her attire. Sidney snorted, shaking his head. “What’s the point of pitching to a kid? She doesn’t look like she can call the shots, let alone invest. Don’t waste your time.”
Vincent ignored him. He plugged in his USB drive and began his presentation, a new determination fueling him. His project, a large-scale mobile game with stunning graphics and innovative gameplay, filled the screen. Gone was the timid man from the garden; onstage, he radiated passion, his voice brimming with energy and conviction. Felicia listened intently, her eyes never leaving the screen or his face.
When he finished, silence fell before Felicia applauded. Vincent exhaled, a glimmer of peace washing over him. “Thank you,” he said, smiling shyly. He gathered his things, content to have shared his vision. But before he could leave, Felicia spoke.
“Aren’t we going to discuss funding?” she asked, her tone light yet serious. “Your proposal states you need one million. I’ll double it. How does two million sound?”
He froze, staring at her in disbelief. Behind them, Sidney erupted in laughter. “Did you mean two million in-game currency?”
Vincent, however, wasn’t ready to dismiss her. His voice trembling, he asked, “May I ask… who are you?”
Felicia smiled. “I’m Felicia. You might have heard of my father—he’s the richest man in Khogend.”
Vincent’s jaw dropped. Sidney, his laughter silenced, was dumbfounded. Felicia leaned back, her casual posture unchanged. Sometimes, she mused, it helped to have a big name behind you.