It was 5:00 AM.
Alex was already awake and hadn't even slept properly. His eyes were open, staring at the dark ceiling of his room, but his mind was running wild. The past few weeks had been chaos. Betrayals, silence, fear. And now, he was left with one thing on his mind:
NEOSPACE.
His dream. His vision. His project.
But it felt so far away. So impossible. He didn't have the funds. He didn't have the team. He didn't even have the peace of mind to think straight.
Then a voice echoed in his head, clear as if the man was standing right there beside him:
"You need partners, Alex. People who believe in this as much as you do." - Thomas Finch.
That was what Thomas had told him days ago. Alex stood up, grabbed a hoodie, and stepped out. The streets were still sleeping. Everywhere was quiet, for once. No horns. No rush. Just that early morning breeze.
As he walked, his mind wandered to something Raymond had once told him, during one of their deep conversations.
"Alex, anything I have, you have. That's the essence of being my mentee. You get to do what I do, use what I use, see who I see… Especially in business."
Raymond had always meant it. Always stood by it.
Alex stopped walking.
If Raymond meant it… that meant someone in the company still had those files. Files with the names of top investors. People who could actually fund NEOSPACE.
People who believed in ideas. In the future.
Philip.
Alex clenched his jaw… He realized Philip would definitely be in possession of those files.
He turned and headed back home, he'd be going to the office in the morning.
***
The sky was just beginning to lighten when Alex arrived at the ADIG building. The security guard at the gate looked surprised.
"Sir, it's still early,"
"I need to see Mr. Philip. It's urgent," Alex said with a calm voice.
The guard hesitated, then nodded. "He's in already though. Third floor."
Of course, he was.
Philip was always early, probably up to something, as usual.
Alex walked into the building with each step feeling heavier than the last. Thinking he wasn't just asking for help, but stepping into the lion's den, praying not to get bitten.
He knocked once, then opened the office door.
Philip was seated behind his desk, in his usual well-fitted black suit, already sipping his morning coffee.
"Alex," he said, raising an eyebrow. "You're early."
"So are you," Alex replied.
Philip gave a small smile. "That's what you see when you've got a job like mine."
Alex didn't waste time. He walked closer and stood in front of the desk. "I won't take much of your time," he began. "I need the investor file."
Philip looked up slowly. "Investor file?"
"Yes. Raymond once told me I had access to anything he had, especially in business. And right now, I'm desperate. I need people who can believe in what I'm building. NEOSPACE isn't just a project. I believe it's my future."
Philip took a long sip of coffee and then set the cup down. "And you think this list will fix that?"
"No. But it will help me find people who can believe in what I'm building. That's all I'm asking for," Alex said. "Not money. Just a lead. A connection."
There was a pause.
Then slowly, Philip turned, opened a drawer, and brought out a brown folder.
He flipped through the folder. "These are Raymond's top contacts. Not the kind of people you just cold call. You'll need more than passion to impress them."
"I'm ready," Alex said. "I don't need easy. I just need a shot."
Philip pulled out a sheet and laid it on the table.
"Here. A few names. Read it well. Pick wisely."
Alex's eyes scanned the page. Some names were familiar. Some weren't. There was a lot of confusion.
But then Philip slipped out a file, paused a moment, and handed it to Alex.
POWER.
It was a bold name, printed in thick black ink. Beneath it, the details were minimal:
POWER Group
A private investment firm that focuses on innovation, sustainability, and young startups.
CEO: Rebecca Stallion.
Alex's heart skipped.
"Rebecca?" he asked with a low voice.
Philip smirked. "Yes. She runs POWER. One of the most aggressive investment firms in Europe. Especially when it comes to young disruptors. She's always scouting and I believe she'll love your work"
"She does everything that smells like the future," Philip replied. "You think NEOSPACE fits that?"
"You think she would?" Alex asked.
Philip, while pointing at the paper. "I believe she will, so start there."
Alex thanked Philip and took the file as he turned to leave.
Philip added casually, "And Alex, never forget to tell people who you're under. Always mention Raymond Carter. That name opens doors. Who you're mentored by matters, a lot more than people admit."
Alex paused, nodded slightly, then walked out. He didn't have time to be afraid. Not anymore.
His hands trembled slightly as he stepped out of the office. He pulled out his phone and stared at the number listed beside her name. His thumb hovered.
Then he whispered to himself, "I just hope this is it."
And he dialed.
The phone rang once… twice… three times.
Then a soft yet sharp voice answered. "Rebecca speaking."
Alex cleared his throat. "Good morning, ma'am. My name is Alex. I was wondering if you had time today or sometime this week to hear a business proposal. It's something I strongly believe aligns with your investment interests."
There was a brief pause. "I like the sound of that and you seem to be confident."
Alex blinked, a bit caught off guard. "Yes, I am."
Another pause. Then, "Alright. Let's meet. 5 PM. I know a quiet restaurant, I'll send the address. Be ready."
The call ended just like that.
No questions. No delay. No hesitation.
Just purpose.
***
At exactly 5:00 PM, Alex walked into a big restaurant, tucked away from the noise of the city. It had warm lighting, calm music, and a quiet class that didn't scream for attention, it whispered influence.
Rebecca was already there.
She was dressed sharp, in a white blazer and black trousers. Minimal makeup, natural confidence. She looked like the kind of woman who didn't just enter rooms, she owned them.
Alex approached her table.
"Good evening, ma," he said respectfully.
She glanced up and smiled faintly. "Alex, right? Nice to meet you… Sit. Let's talk."
Alex sat down, opened his bag, and gently placed a folder on the table.
"This is NEOSPACE," he began. "A platform designed to give youths access to global tech opportunities. It's not just a business, it's a bridge. Between what is, and what could be. I've been working on this for weeks now, building the blueprint, testing small parts, speaking to young minds, and…."
Rebecca raised her hand slightly, a gesture to say: breathe.
"Relax," she said. "Talk to me. Like we're equals. You're not under any pressure... Because if you believe in this, I need to hear it from your heart, not a plain pitch."
Alex exhaled slowly. Nodded. And began again.
This time from the core.
"..."