Chapter 2 - Ethan’s Brilliant Opportunity
Ethan’s latest business idea was a luxury travel application for wealthy young professionals.
He had no technical background, no business plan, and no paying customers. He had designed a colorful logo and convinced himself investors would soon compete for his attention.
At Sunday dinner, Ethan placed a folder in front of Claire.
“I need two hundred thousand dollars to launch properly.”
Claire opened the folder.
The financial projections had no supporting research. The development costs were unrealistic. Half the proposed budget was reserved for marketing events, travel, and an executive vehicle.
“Who prepared these numbers?” Claire asked.
“I did.”
“Have you spoken to an accountant?”
“I don’t need an accountant to understand my own vision.”
Richard leaned back in his chair.
“Your brother finally found something meaningful. You should support him.”
Claire closed the folder.
“I’ll pay for an independent business evaluation. If the model is viable, I’ll consider investing under a formal agreement.”
Ethan’s face darkened.
“You want strangers judging me?”
“I want professionals examining the risks.”
Diane sighed dramatically.
“You always make everything transactional.”
Claire looked around the table in disbelief.
She was paying for the food they were eating, the house they were sitting in, and the electricity lighting the room. Still, they accused her of treating family like a business.
Ethan pushed the folder toward her again.
“I don’t need an evaluation. I need the money.”
“No.”
It was the first direct refusal Claire had given them in years.
The room became painfully quiet.
May you like
Richard stared at her as if she had violated an unspoken rule.
Claire did not know it yet, but that single word changed everything.
