Chapter 2

Thea was startled by my sudden appearance. She glanced at the check before scoffing. "You're clearly another opportunist looking for a bargain! I'd rather burn my core algorithm than sell it cheap to clueless people like you who only want to make a quick buck!"

I dragged over a chair and sat down. "Those investors didn't turn you down because they're greedy. They turned you down because they simply don't understand your work."

Thea was caught off guard for a moment.

I leaned forward slightly and looked straight into her eyes. "They have no idea that once your core architecture integrates with the new photonic chips launching next year, it'll break through the current limits of computing power and completely change the industry."

Thea stiffened instantly, her voice trembling while asking, "H-How on earth do you know that?"

She had never shared this idea with anyone before, so she couldn't help but wonder how this seemingly ordinary man in front of her could hit the nail right on the head.

"That's not important."

I then pointed at the check and said, "You only need to know that I understand your value. You just need to focus on writing your code. I'll take care of everything else and take you straight to the top of the tech industry!"

I paused for a moment and raised my eyes to meet hers. "How is it going to be? You in or out?"

Thea signed the collaboration agreement ten minutes later.

Skyforge Technologies was officially established.

I still had 1.5 million dollars left after sorting out the deal with Thea.

In my past life, Sierra's first power play upon returning to Brightcrest was securing the merger and acquisition project for Everstone Heavy Industries. It was through this project that she gained a firm foothold in the Shepherd family, thoroughly crushing her relatives under her heel.

I intended to beat her to that project this time. I got my hands on an invitation to a banquet in order to meet Evelyn Chase, the person in charge of Everstone Heavy Industries.

I looked through the crowd for Ms. Chase on the night of the banquet, but before I spotted my target, someone called my name from behind. "C-Caleb?"

I turned around and saw Sierra looking at me with a complicated expression. There was surprise, disdain, and a barely noticeable hint of smugness in her gaze.

"You didn't have to resort to something this foolish just to see me, Caleb," Sierra said as she stepped forward, speaking in a condescending tone. "Did you already blow through the 4.5 million dollars that quickly? Did you crash a banquet like this just to get my attention, Caleb?"

I found it rather incredulous when I looked at her smug, self-absorbed expression. I used to love this confident, in-control side of her so much. I pushed myself to study business frantically in order to match her level, staying up all night to help her pull proposals together.

I remembered the version of me in my past life, a hint of a self-deprecating look passing through my eyes. I looked up at her again, and all that remained was indifference. "Do you really think I can't live without you, Sierra?"

Sierra was unsettled by the emotion in my eyes.

I cut her off just as she furrowed her brow and opened her mouth to speak. "I once thought you were a tree strong enough to lean on, but it turns out that you're just a vine—you can only grow by wrapping yourself around someone else. I hope you'll stop flattering yourself from now on. I find it utterly revolting, Sierra."

Having said my piece, I turned on my heel and walked off.

"Caleb Zimmer!" Sierra called after me from behind, her voice brimming with fury.

I didn't bother looking back and kept walking. I had just made it to the lounge area, but before I could even take a seat, Mason approached me.

Upon seeing me, Mason's eyes flashed with a hint of malice. He flicked his wrist right as we brushed past each other, splashing red wine right onto my suit pants.

He then let out a fake, unapologetic smile and said with a chuckle. "Oh, I'm so sorry about that—I didn't see you standing there. You probably rented that suit, didn't you? Can you actually pay for the damages?"

In that instant, the nearby guests all turned to watch the drama unfold.

I smiled faintly, thinking to myself that he was nothing more than a clown putting on a show. I looked past him calmly toward the center of the hall, where a piece of land was being presented for auction. It was an abandoned industrial site on the south side of the city.

That was exactly what Mason was after tonight.

In my past life, the Lund family purchased this plot to develop a high-end commercial area. They only discovered the severe heavy-metal contamination underground after work began. That land eventually turned into a complete money pit, destroying their cash flow and severely weakening them.

I was going to turn this piece of land into an opportunity in this life.