The sterile ambiance of the hospital room contrasted sharply with the storm of activity outside. Alex lay in his bed; the soft beeping of the heart monitors a constant reminder of his precarious situation. His thoughts were far from restful, preoccupied with the imminent sale of his shares in "Mother AI."
The room’s door swung open, and Victor entered with a small entourage of lawyers. Victor was a formidable figure, known for his business acumen and unwavering authority. His tailored suit and polished demeanor spoke of his high status, but there was something more guarded in his eyes today.
Beside him was a young man with sharp features and an intense gaze—Wesley, a government representative known for his role in oversight and regulation. Wesley had a reputation for being thorough and relentless, and his presence added an air of formality to the proceedings. Alex hadn’t expected Wesley to be there, and his arrival piqued his curiosity.
Marc followed; his face tight with concern. He had been Alex’s legal shield throughout the ordeal, and now he was about to witness the culmination of their struggle.
As Victor and his team settled at the table in the corner of the room, Marc’s eyes darted between the documents and the gathered representatives. The media buzzed outside, their cameras and microphones poised for the anticipated announcement. The frenzy was palpable, and Alex could almost feel the vibrations of the cameras against the hospital walls.
Victor cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “Alex, as we discussed, the agreement is ready. Wesley and I are here to finalize the sale of your shares. We’ve made sure everything is in order.”
Alex glanced at Marc, who was examining the documents with a furrowed brow. “I trust everything is fair,” Alex said, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation.
Marc’s eyes widened as he skimmed through the contract. “Alex, you can’t be serious! This... this is outrageous. You’re agreeing to sell all your shares in 'Mother AI' for 137 million credits—a staggering amount, yes, but that’s not the issue. Look at this non-compete clause.”
Marc’s voice rose in disbelief. “You’re agreeing not to enter the AI Security sector again. This is a complete lockout from your field of expertise!”
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Alex looked at Marc, his expression resolute. “Marc, it’s done. I need to move on. Let’s not prolong this any further.”
Marc turned to Victor; his anger barely contained. “Victor, how could you let this happen? Alex looked up to you. He saw you as a mentor, almost like a father. And now you’re letting him sign away his future.”
Victor’s face remained impassive. He didn’t respond to Marc’s outburst, his gaze fixed on the papers in front of him. The lack of reaction from Victor only fueled Marc’s frustration.
Alex’s gaze hardened as he addressed Marc. “Marc, it’s my decision. I’m moving forward, not backward. Please, let’s not make this harder than it needs to be.”
Marc’s eyes bore into Alex’s, a mix of hurt and confusion evident. “Have you lost your mind, Alex? Did the accident affect your judgment? This contract—it’s a cage.”
Alex’s expression softened slightly. “I understand your concern, but I’ve made my choice. I need this fresh start, and this deal is part of it.”
With a reluctant sigh, Marc nodded, his face etched with disappointment. He scribbled his signature on the documents, his hand trembling slightly. Victor and Wesley followed suit, their signatures solidifying the deal.
Once the paperwork was complete, Victor handed Alex a physical check. The amount, though impressive, was merely a formality; the actual transfer would be handled electronically. The check, oversized and glossy, was intended for the media’s cameras. Flashbulbs erupted outside the window as reporters scrambled to capture the moment.
Alex accepted the check with a mixture of relief and resignation. The media’s clamorous excitement was a stark reminder of the public nature of his decision. The headlines would soon be filled with news of the “Mother AI” sale and the dramatic exit of its creator.
The room fell into a tense silence as Marc gathered his papers, his frustration still simmering. Wesley, standing beside Victor, observed the scene with an inscrutable expression. The deal was done, but the emotional weight of it hung heavy in the air.
As Victor and his team prepared to leave, Marc approached Alex one last time. “I’ll handle the fallout,” Marc said, his voice low. “But remember, this isn’t the end. You still have a future in AI, even if it’s not with 'Mother AI.'”
Alex nodded, grateful yet conflicted. “Thanks, Marc. I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
With that, Victor and Wesley exited the room, leaving Alex alone with his family. Samantha, who had been quietly observing, looked up with a hopeful smile. “Dad, it’s going to be okay, right?”
Alex forced a smile, though his heart was heavy. “Yes, Sam. It will be.”
As the media frenzy outside continued, Alex took a deep breath. The road ahead was uncertain, but he was determined to face it with resolve. The sale of his shares marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another—a chance to rebuild and start anew in Serrano, away from the shadows of Metropolis.