Success came at a cost. Every minute was scheduled, every relationship weighed against business utility. She hadn’t taken a real vacation in four years or gone on a date in eighteen months. Her life revolved around decisions that affected thousands and millions of dollars.
The flight from San Diego to Washington D.C. was supposed to be just another business trip. Her private jet had mechanical problems, forcing her into economy class—an indignity she resented immediately.
The Calm in the Storm
Victoria’s day had been brutal: back-to-back presentations to Navy officials over next-generation drone technology. Exhausted, she balanced her tablet on a cramped tray table, scanning reports and contracts.
Then she noticed her neighbor: Evan Marks. Simple jeans, a plain t-shirt, calm posture. No phone, no laptop, just stillness. His