Andrew thought for a moment, then nodded with determination.

"I agree. Your suggestions are very helpful. I’d like to move forward with the sponsorship."

Elena’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. She reached into her handbag and took out a prepared contract folder, sliding it across the table toward him.

"This is a preliminary agreement. Take your time to read it carefully."

Andrew opened the folder and began reading the terms attentively.

Investment & Development Agreement

Party A: Aether Dynamics (represented by Elena Hayes)

Party B: Andrew (Creator of Luna AI)

Key Terms:

1. Funding: Aether Dynamics agrees to provide full financial support required for the complete development of both the Luna AI App and the associated website, including server costs, marketing, team hiring, and all necessary resources until the project reaches stable profitability.

2. Testing & Review: Both parties must be present (physically or virtually) during every major testing phase. Andrew must provide detailed progress reports and demonstrations upon request.

3. Progress Updates: Elena Hayes reserves the right to request progress updates at any time. Andrew agrees to respond promptly and, if required, visit Elena’s residence to present the current status and demonstrate new features in person.

4. Dedicated Workspace: Aether Dynamics will provide a fully equipped private lab and office space near Elena’s residence, to be used exclusively as the development headquarters, testing facility, and workshop for Luna.

5. Equity & Revenue Share: Elena Hayes / Aether Dynamics will receive 25% equity in the Luna project. Andrew will retain 75% ownership and full control over his shares. He may freely manage, sell, or distribute his portion as he sees fit, subject to standard business regulations.

Andrew read through the document carefully. Overall, the terms looked quite generous. The funding was more than sufficient, and having a proper office and lab would solve many of his current problems.

However, some clauses felt a bit... personal. Especially the parts about visiting Elena’s home whenever she wanted updates.

Still, he didn’t see anything obviously malicious. After reading it twice, he took photos of every page and sent them to Scarlett with a message:

[Andrew: Scarlett, I’m at the meeting. This is the contract they gave me. Can you please check it?]

He then looked up at Elena and said politely, "I’ll need to discuss this with my... advisor first before signing anything. I hope that’s okay."

Elena smiled gracefully. "Of course. Take your time. I’m not in any rush."

---

Scarlett had received the photos Andrew sent. She read through the entire contract thoroughly.

The funding, workspace, and development support were all excellent. However, the clause about Andrew needing to visit Elena’s home whenever she requested updates made her eyebrows furrow slightly. It felt a little too personal.

Still, after reading it multiple times, she couldn’t find any actual harmful conditions for Andrew. The benefits far outweighed the minor discomfort.

After a few minutes, Scarlett replied:

Scarlett: The terms are mostly good. The equity split is fair. The visiting clause is a bit weird, but there’s no obvious loss for you. If you’re comfortable, you can sign it.

Andrew read her message and felt reassured. He looked at Elena and said, "My advisor has reviewed it. I’m ready to sign."

Elena smiled warmly and slid the final version of the contract toward him along with a pen.

"Welcome to the partnership, Andrew."

Andrew took the pen and signed his name on the dotted line, officially accepting the sponsorship.

---

After signing the contract, the atmosphere at the table became more relaxed. The waiter served the main course, and they continued talking about Luna’s future plans. Midway through dinner, Andrew looked at Lucy and asked gently,

"Lucy, if you don’t mind me asking... where is your father?"

The question made Lucy freeze for a few seconds. Her smile faded, and she looked down at her plate. The cheerful energy she had shown earlier disappeared completely.

Elena also became quiet, gently placing her hand on her daughter’s shoulder.

Lucy stayed silent for a long moment before speaking in a soft, slightly bitter voice:

"When I was born... My father divorced my mom and married another woman. He left us when I was just a few months old. I don’t really remember him."

The pain in her voice was clear, even though she tried to hide it.

Andrew felt a pang of sympathy. He looked at her with gentle eyes and said softly,

"I’m really sorry to hear that, Lucy. That must have been very hard for both of you."

He paused, then continued in a warm, sincere tone:

"But from what I can see, your mom raised you really well. You’re kind, smart, and you have the courage to approach people even when you’re nervous. That says a lot about both of you."

Lucy looked up at him, surprised. A small, grateful smile appeared on her face.

"Thank you, Andrew," she whispered.

Elena gave Andrew an appreciative look and gently squeezed her daughter’s shoulder.

"Lucy has always been strong," Elena said proudly. "We’ve done fine without him. Sometimes, the people who leave make space for better things to come."

Andrew nodded respectfully.

"You both seem like an amazing team," he said genuinely. "I’m glad I got to meet you tonight."

The mood at the table lightened a little after that. Lucy slowly regained her smile, and the conversation returned to Luna and future plans, though a hint of melancholy still lingered in her eyes whenever the topic of family came up.

---

It was almost 10 PM when Andrew finally returned to the apartment. The moment he opened the door, a big, bright smile was plastered on his face.

"Scarlett! I’m back!" he called out excitedly.

Scarlett was sitting on the sofa in her nightgown, reading a book. She put it down and looked at him, her expression softening as she saw his happy face.

"How did it go?" she asked.

Andrew walked over quickly and sat beside her, unable to contain his excitement.

"It went really well! I signed the preliminary contract tonight. Elena Hayes is serious about sponsoring Luna. She agreed to provide full funding, a dedicated office and lab, and all the resources we need. I already sent you the photos of the contract earlier."

Scarlett pulled him into her arms, letting his head rest against her chest as she gently stroked his hair.

"I saw it," she said softly. "The terms are quite good. I’m happy for you."

Andrew smiled warmly and hugged her back.

"Thank you. With proper funding, we can develop Luna much faster now. I feel really relieved."

Scarlett continued running her fingers through his hair, a small, satisfied smile on her lips.

"You did well," she murmured. "I’m proud of you."

She kissed the top of his head, then added in a gentle but firm tone:

"From now on, keep me updated about everything related to this sponsorship. If anything changes or if they ask you to sign new documents, show them to me first."

Andrew nodded against her chest. "I will. I promise."

Scarlett held him a little tighter, her hand still stroking his hair affectionately.

"My smart boy is finally getting the recognition he deserves," she whispered proudly.

Andrew closed his eyes, feeling warm and content in her embrace.