Jason stood in the grand lobby of the Waldorf Astoria, surrounded by crystal chandeliers, velvet carpets, and the low hum of elite money shifting hands.
Tonight wasn't about code or lawsuits—it was about presence.
The "Future Now" tech gala and silent auction was an annual display of Silicon Valley's sharpest minds and deepest pockets, now transplanted to New York's high society. Jason had donated a PulseCast executive beta invite and a 15-minute one-on-one mentorship call. Bidding had already exceeded $200,000.
Victor approached, adjusting his cufflinks. "Your name's buzzing everywhere, by the way. Investors love a good underdog who bites back."
Jason scanned the crowd. Familiar faces from magazines, IPO lists, and scandal headlines moved like chess pieces.
"Let them buzz. I'm here for one thing."
Victor raised a brow. "What's that?"
Jason pointed subtly. Across the room stood Monica Liu, an old-money heiress turned venture capitalist with ties to several global conglomerates—and Bellamy's former business partner.
"I want her out of his orbit. She backs PulseCast, and Bellamy bleeds."
Victor grinned. "You're turning business into espionage."
Jason nodded. "It's the same game. Just better lighting."
---
Ten minutes later, Jason approached Monica with two glasses of champagne and a well-calibrated smile.
"Ms. Liu. You look like someone who understands value before the rest of the world does."
She turned, amused. "And you look like someone who's about to give me a pitch."
Jason handed her a glass. "Only if you're interested in leaving the losing side."
Her eyes sparkled. "I heard about StreamNow. Bellamy's in damage control mode."
Jason leaned closer. "And I know you're one of his primary LPs. But that fund? It's outdated. Passive. You're not passive."
Monica sipped her drink. "Go on."
"PulseCast is about proactive disruption. Content democratization. It's not just tech. It's the new media infrastructure. And I'm offering you early equity—direct stake, not via any group."
He watched her process the offer. Her gaze was sharp, calculating.
"You'd cut out other angels just to bring me in?"
Jason nodded. "Because you're not just money. You're momentum."
She smiled slowly.
"I like momentum, Mr. Nash. But I also like assurances."
Jason pulled out his phone, opened the PulseCast dashboard, and showed her live stats: users, engagement, advertiser inquiries—all surging.
"You want proof of growth? Here's a living thing. Not a pitch deck."
Monica stared at the numbers, impressed.
"Let's talk terms next week."
Jason raised his glass. "To the future, then."
She clinked her glass against his.
"To making the right enemies."
---
Later that night, as Jason left the gala, his phone buzzed.
Amy: "We just got a call from a Bellamy shell company. They want to 'amicably acquire' PulseCast. Seven-figure offer. No press."
Jason laughed under his breath.
> "Tell them to go to hell. Politely."
Because now, they were past the point of surviving.
Jason was finally starting to win.