“Six months ago he had a heart attack. Hospitals wanted insurance first. We had none. He died at home. He taught me that knowledge is the only thing no one can take.”
The room felt smaller.
“I won,” Lucas said softly. “But I don’t want your money. I don’t want my mom working for someone who treats people like trash.”
They turned to leave.
“Wait.”
A new voice spoke.
Victoria Collins, CEO of NexaCore Systems—and Alexander’s rival—had overheard everything from the hallway.
She knelt before Lucas. “I believe you.”
She rolled up her sleeve, revealing an old factory scar. “I know what it’s like to be dismissed.”
She looked at Rosa. “Come work for me. In operations. Real salary. And Lucas—full scholarship in our Young Innovators Program. You’ve earned it.”
Alexander flushed. “You can’t steal my employees!”
“Employees?” Victoria replied. “You just called them garbage.”
Suddenly the door burst open again.
Ryan Harrington, Alexander’s son and vice president, stormed in. “Is this real? The executive chat says you’re being humiliated by a janitor’s kid.”
He erased Lucas’s solution and projected a new equation.
“Solve this. Or admit you’re a fraud.”
“Ryan, stop!” Alexander shouted.