CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY EIGHT – SHE WON’T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER

The sting of Ms. Petrova's rejection lingered as Karina, Raj, and Brenda navigated the labyrinthine corridors of venture capital firms. Each meeting followed a similar pattern – polite smiles masking skepticism, polite questions betraying a lack of understanding of Fenrir's deeper purpose. By the end of the day, the initial flicker of hope had dwindled to a faint ember. Their last stop was a smaller firm specializing in sustainable businesses. The receptionist, a young woman with a nose ring and a vibrant green dress, greeted them warmly. This felt different. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance here. They were ushered into a brightly lit office, where a man with a salt-and-pepper beard and a twinkle in his eyes sat behind a cluttered desk. This was Mr. Diaz, an investor known for taking a chance on unconventional ventures. Karina launched into their pitch, her voice regaining its usual strength. She explained Fenrir's vision, the commitment to ethical production, and the focus on