Chapter 3

Charles and I first met at an academic conference five years ago.

Back then, my father had me tagging along, hoping I'd pick up some real-world experience, so I ended up mingling at all sorts of networking events.

Charles was there, hustling to secure any funding he could for his research project.

But he was unknown then. Honestly, who would throw money at a rookie with no reputation and no results?

As expected, he kept getting turned down, but he never lost his fire. His eyes just burned brighter with every rejection.

Seeing him like that, I just couldn't help…