Zero To Billionaire

s tiny blinds. John woke awake, his thoughts still ringing from yesterday's treachery, his body aching. With every step

r the mist of anger and heartache. He relieved every second: Black's affirming nods, Mark's assured presen

ouring shampoo into his fingers and working it into a deep lather. The water become murky with dirt and soapy. He turned off th

to Harris Black in person today,

-

is luckiest tie, a navy blue one with small white diamonds, a quiet talisman he had not dared to wear since the tragedy

ner," in a bland voice.

make my campaign pitch. Black needed all of the idea

a tap. "No documentatio

spoke calmly but firmly

stening to cries all morning. He has conse

w. It is too late. He imagined Black's des

his is an urgent matter. Tomorrow is the invest

"I am unable to assist you

ght. Then at least let him know that Turner has arri

y and scowled. "I w

The minutes passed. He saw workers passing by, most in mute resigna

was neve

side his office," as he rose up and

e expanded.

ked up to the big frosted glass door marked **H. Black, CEO ,

time?" a rusty voi

Turner-Mr. Black. You mus

looked out with icy blue eyes. "Yo

him already? "Not quite yet, sir. But because I allowed someone to steal my work,

me strained. "I ha

rt. He took a little tablet out of his suitcase, the prot

the sleeve of his suit b

-

h-backed leather chairs, and walls covered with fading press clippings and fr

d the screen. His "Reality Layers" interface ap

he incorrect person delivered it, and its full potential was never

hing into an augmented reality montage that showcased BlackStar's new smart-glass technolo

e environment, engage with its elements in real time, and recognize its worth. Every activity is mo

ded. "I have already h

l-world occurrences is completely accomplished. "Look here," he said, zooming in, "these are the triggers for micro-interactions." A geo-lo

wing a glimmer of curiosity.

self experiencing the smoothness of our smart-glass covering. A

a massage. "And you

al features. Next, I want to include our items. How

lly as he sank into his chair. "

arm his chest. He dared to thi

the door behind

were on exhibit. With a casual tone, he said, "I see you found the

he knife was twisted again by tha

d down between them. "So,

u saw was created by John. I just made

d looked accusingly at M

ned. "I just assisted in polishing it. Is not presentat

ng irate. "My work was stolen by

ad. "What counts is the idea. This is necessary for tomorrow's investor

s. He felt Mark's falsehood smothering the prototype as he took

. You will be in charge of the integration team, Mark. Put

phony, accommodative grin, he tur

until he exploded out the front doors and into the brilliant sunshine of the street.

rtly. Someone else had come up with

Reaching inside, he took out his own phone, unlocked the screen, and briefly co

face: his popularity and h

optimism appeared. He would find respect elsewhere if he could not get

ll, he

nacing, sardonic voice crackled: *"Welcome b

d him, BlackStar's doors loomed, a sign of corporate treachery. But if he could find

" he said in a quiet voice. "Thi

started the next