[ National Conference Centre,1 week ago.]
" Speed Crypt , will revolutionise the world of cybersecurity and set the new standard. This program, as has been demonstrated , has the ability to pass through most government grade security systems as if they were made of paper and accomplish with as much competence the securing of any data processor framework.
In lay man's words , with it you are as safe and as airtight as a vacuum in space and as lethal as a nuclear weapon is to global peace. Market production starts within the month and there shall only be a hundred copies of the source code , so ladies and gentlemen , please bid as much money as you got ," Helena smiled as she stood before her audience high up on the podium , introducing her company's flagship project to some of the world's most influential individuals.
When she finished her speech , everyone in the room applauded her , secretly salivating at the chance to get their hands on the highly effective computer virus.
" We did it William , imagine after all those days I spent hulled up in my dorm on campus giving up all of my social life when I started working on Speed Crypt Technologies . It is a dream come true and I'm so glad you made time to come see it , " Helena greeted William Harper , the first person she saw as she walked off of the diaz. He returned her warmness with a glowing smile and an even warmer hug.
" I never had any doubt in my mind you'd succeed Helena . Now it's time for you to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour . With the kind of money this will make you , even your grandchildren may never have to work ," William said after the embrace.
"Yeah cut the bullshit William , we both remember how much fun you made of me when I was starting out , " Helena laughed , slightly jabbing his side with her palm.
" And do you still remember why it was so irresistible to make fun of you Helena , do you still remember how this whole idea of building Speed Crypt came about?" William defended himself , raising his hands in the air as a sign of peace.
" Oh give me a break , even your gestures are a mockery ," Helena laughed, picking up two glasses of red wine from a waiter who was passing near the two of them. She gave the second one to William.
" Here's to becoming the first billionaire in our circle , cheers Helena. You have made me proud ," William toasted to her success.
" You know , it doesn't have to be like that , " Helena interjected after a few sips of the drink.
" What doesn't have to be like what , I don't follow ," William was a bit confused.
" What I mean , silly , is that I don't have to be a billionaire alone. You can join me William , and it will be just as it always has been , the two of us together against the world ," Helena answered him with a demure but suggestive glow in her eyes.
She had taken him by surprise , throwing him a romantic invitation right out of the blues. By doing so she was just putting him in the tough difficult position that he was always avoiding.
" You don't have to answer right now , just like every other time I have asked you out. This is something that I am prepared to wait for William , and just like my project here, I know I'll get it eventually.
Now wipe that shock off your face and let's meet some people. Besides selling , the only other reason I even bother attending such events is the networking opportunities they give , " Helena laughed the tension off and walked away to interact with her guests . As she left , William looked at her with a pitiful heart , knowing he could never return her feelings for him.
[ William's office , Criminal Investigations Bureau Headquarters . 9pm]
William was working late that evening after having spent most of his day at Helen's event. There were numerous reported cases that he had been piling up for the past few weeks and now the chicken had come home to roost with multiple court dates being due on the following day. He had to make sure that everything was in order before then.
" This is why we hire interns ," Marvin Chalo , his manager and close friend, entered William's office disappointed to find him struggling with fatigue .
" Don't worry about me sir , I've just had a really busy day ," William rubbed his eyes with one hand and pointed at the empty seat across his desk with the other to invite Marvin to a seat.
" I know , everyone we know is talking about how you and Helen were up and about smug with each other in that launch event like bashful little teenagers. While most of us went to congratulate an old friend for her success , it appears that a sneaky link here had other ideas in his head," Marvin started as he sank into the firm chair.
" You know William , it's about time you settled down with a good woman and Helen is quite practically the best anyone of us could ever hope for. She's beautiful , smart , kind and quite frankly way out of your league.What else could a man ask for? Yet she still only has eyes for you ," Marvin continued after getting comfortable.
" She is actually out of my league , that's why I will not settle with Helen , or with any other girl until I'm ready , " William defended himself , chuckling while at it.
" Until I'm ready , boy you've been singing that chorus ever since we hired you. William , people are getting worried for your sake . You're not getting any younger man , " Marvin insisted on his point of view.