As Thomas's investments in emerging technologies started paying off, he found himself grappling with a challenge he hadn't fully anticipated: the ethical dilemmas that came with knowing what the future would bring. His ability to identify opportunities in cloud computing and online payment systems gave him a clear advantage, but it also put him in situations where the line between right and wrong wasn't so easy to draw. These weren't just abstract questions—they forced him to confront the kind of person he wanted to be.
Thomas's knowledge wasn't entirely his own. It came from memories of a life that, while distant and fragmented, gave him a unique understanding of where the world was headed. While this foresight allowed him to make smarter decisions, it also carried a moral weight. He couldn't help but question if using it was fair or if it made him no better than someone exploiting insider information. More troubling was the thought that his actions might unintentionally harm the industries or people he wanted to help.
The first real test of his principles came when one of his investments, a small cloud computing startup, began to gain traction. The company had created a groundbreaking data storage solution that caught the attention of larger players in the field. Thomas knew this startup was destined for greatness, but he also understood that stepping in too boldly—by revealing his involvement or trying to steer their strategy—could attract unwanted competition and regulatory attention, potentially hindering their progress.
Rather than overstep, Thomas chose to remain a silent partner, offering advice only when asked. He wanted the founders to build their success on their own terms, without his influence overshadowing their innovation. It wasn't the most lucrative path for him personally, but it allowed the company to thrive in a way that felt right to him.
Another dilemma came when Thomas turned his attention to industries poised to disrupt traditional markets. Online retail stood out—a sector he knew would reshape the way people shopped. He identified a small e-commerce startup that was struggling to compete with larger retailers. The founders were passionate, but they lacked the resources to expand.
Thomas believed in their vision, but he also couldn't ignore the broader consequences. Supporting an e-commerce platform could mean accelerating the decline of brick-and-mortar stores and the loss of countless jobs. After much deliberation, he decided to invest, but only after talking with the founders about building ethical practices into their business model. He encouraged them to explore initiatives like training programs for displaced workers and partnerships with local communities. It wasn't a perfect solution, but it helped Thomas feel like he was making a positive impact while still supporting an idea he believed in.
One of the hardest decisions Thomas faced was more personal. His closest friend, Lucas, pitched him an idea for a startup—a digital advertising platform. Thomas immediately recognized its potential to become a major player in the industry, but he also saw flaws in Lucas's approach that could derail the project before it even started.
It would've been easy for Thomas to use his knowledge to steer the idea in a way that benefited him most. But instead, he chose to help Lucas refine his concept, pointing out potential pitfalls and offering honest feedback. Watching Lucas grow from that experience and seeing their friendship deepen because of it reminded Thomas why he'd started this journey in the first place. Success wasn't just about his own achievements; it was about helping others realize their potential.
Throughout these challenges, Thomas leaned heavily on Iris and Max. Iris, ever practical, encouraged him to think about the long-term impact of his choices, while Max helped him break down the risks and rewards. Their advice kept him grounded, reminding him that his decisions were about more than just profit—they were about the values he wanted to uphold.
By the end of his second year, Thomas had come to understand that success wasn't just about picking the right investments—it was about doing so responsibly. The temptation to cut corners or use his knowledge selfishly was always there, but he found strength in staying true to his principles.
Over time, Thomas's view of business began to shift. It wasn't just a way to build wealth; it was a tool to create meaningful change. The ethical dilemmas he encountered weren't roadblocks—they were opportunities to define his character and clarify what he stood for. That realization shaped every decision he made moving forward and became the foundation of the legacy he hoped to build in the tech world.