By the time Thomas entered his second year of university, he had transformed into a sharp, strategic investor with a clear vision for the future. His education, growing network, and accumulated wealth from earlier investments had given him the tools he needed to take the next step: starting his own company. But for Thomas, this wasn't just about making money—it was about building something meaningful, something that could stand the test of time.
Thomas's first move was to reconnect with Ryan, his best friend from his past life. In that timeline, Ryan had been a steadfast partner during Thomas's early entrepreneurial struggles. Tragically, Ryan had died in a car accident years later, a loss that had left Thomas devastated. Now, in this second chance at life, Ryan was alive and thriving.
Reuniting with Ryan was emotional for Thomas. Their bond was rekindled quickly, and it felt like no time had passed. When Thomas offered Ryan a role in his new venture, Ryan didn't hesitate to accept. His insights, humor, and grounded perspective were just what Thomas needed to set the foundation for their business. With Ryan's help, Thomas felt like he was honoring his memory in a way that mattered, rewriting the mistakes of his past.
But Thomas knew that passion and ambition wouldn't be enough to achieve his goals. He needed someone with expertise—someone with the kind of financial acumen that could elevate their plans to the next level.
In his past life, Thomas had worked with Albert Brantley, a legendary investor known for his uncanny ability to predict market trends. But in this timeline, Albert was far from legendary. When Thomas found him, Albert was a struggling investment consultant, buried under bad decisions and missed opportunities.
Albert's small, cluttered office was a far cry from the high-rises Thomas remembered from his past life. When Thomas walked in, Albert looked up, surprised to see a young man with such confidence. At first, Albert was skeptical of Thomas's pitch. But as the conversations continued, Albert began to see something special in him—a combination of knowledge, drive, and vision that was hard to ignore.
Thomas convinced Albert to join his venture, not with promises of quick riches but with a vision of long-term growth and success. Together, they formed an investment firm, combining Albert's experience with Thomas's foresight and ambition.
Their first major investment came in 1997, in a struggling tech company called MediTech Innovations. The firm was developing cutting-edge health technology, but it was struggling to gain traction. Thomas, with his knowledge of future trends, knew that health tech was poised for explosive growth. Despite pushback from skeptical investors, Thomas and Albert backed the company, securing a significant stake.
Within months, MediTech began to gain momentum. Partnerships with major healthcare providers drove its stock price up, and by the end of the year, Thomas's initial investment had doubled.
Their second investment was in SkyWave Communications, a fledgling telecommunications company. Thomas had seen the rise of mobile communications in his past life and knew this industry was on the brink of a revolution. With Albert's expertise, they acquired a substantial stake in SkyWave. As mobile technology expanded, the company's value skyrocketed, and SkyWave became one of the top players in the industry.
The third major investment was in a small oil company called Global Petroleum. While oil prices were volatile, Thomas recognized the company's potential to secure lucrative drilling contracts. By 1998, Global Petroleum had expanded its operations, securing a foothold in the global oil market and delivering significant returns on their investment.
By the end of 1997, Thomas's investments had not only grown his wealth but also validated his strategy. His team—Ryan, Albert, and the network he was building—felt unstoppable.
Still, Thomas didn't let his success distract him. He remained committed to his education, balancing business meetings with lectures, exams, and late-night study sessions. He knew his degree was as vital as his investments. This second chance wasn't just about money—it was about proving to himself that he could build a life of purpose and balance.
His friends began to notice the changes in him. Once distracted and impulsive, Thomas was now driven, focused, and disciplined. While his peers worked on internships and assignments, Thomas was running a growing investment portfolio, partnering with industry leaders, and attending classes.
As Thomas reflected on the connections he was forging and the successes he was beginning to see, he knew these were only the first steps. His vision for the future was ambitious, but he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
With Ryan's partnership, Albert's expertise, and a wealth of opportunities waiting to be explored, Thomas felt more determined than ever to build something lasting—something that would outlive him and leave a mark on the world.