Chapter 213

The young man was Vincent McLaren. His heart had sunk to its lowest depths as he watched the investors—the ones who could turn his dream into reality—file out one by one. Even the organizer's assistant, Sidney Johnson, couldn't resist a jab. "Ah, you're not the first starry-eyed entrepreneur I've seen. Better luck next time. Maybe you'll get invited to the next conference—if you're lucky." The light in Vincent's eyes dimmed further, replaced by an unbearable weight of despair. "There won't be a next time," he thought. His small company of six had scraped together every cent to get to this moment, betting everything on a single shot. And he had let them all down by fumbling at the critical moment. Closing his eyes, he felt a grim resolve take root. Maybe it was better to end it now—jump off a rooftop, leave behind the judgmental gazes of his colleagues and the crushing disappointment of his family. But just as that dark thought solidified, a clear and melodious voice rang out behi