Six months later, I was standing on a rooftop terrace overlooking a city that now felt like mine. The air was crisp with the promise of autumn, and below, the lights of downtown glittered like a fallen constellation. The Quantum Leap Gala, the official launch party for my new AI-driven investment platform, was in full swing. The murmur of conversation was a symphony of tech jargon, venture capital whispers, and genuine excitement.
I was wearing a gown the color of midnight, a stark contrast to the threadbare hoodies of my past. It wasn't just the clothes that were different; it was the way I stood. My shoulders were back, my posture relaxed and confident. I wasn't hiding in anyone's shadow. I was the one casting it.
My father caught my eye from across the terrace, raising his glass in a
