“Done,” he said simply.
“The issue is the load distribution on the south pillar. You’re assuming uniformity, but the wind enters at an angle, creating asymmetric pressure.”
No one spoke.
Richard approached the board as if hypnotized. He wasn’t an engineer, but he had worked with enough of them to recognize a serious mind. His fingers traced the lines, the numbers, the decisions.
His breathing changed.
“How… how did you do this?” he asked. The mockery was gone. What remained was fear—fear of having been wrong.
Ethan shrugged.
“It’s not that hard if you understand the basic principles and know how to apply differential and integral calculus.”
Basic.
The word landed like a slap.
Victor leaned forward.
“This is graduate-level work.”
“I know,” Ethan replied, without arrogance. “My mom taught me.”
“Your mom?” Richard blinked. “She’s an engineer?”
Ethan hesitated for the first time. His voice cracked.
“She was. One of the best.”
Laura felt something tighten in her chest.
“Where is she now?” Richard asked quietly.
Ethan swallowed.
“She works nights… as a janitor. In an office building.”
The room froze.