As attention grew, Ethan became obsessed with “the story” investors wanted. Mara became obsessed with reliability. Their roles drifted apart without anyone naming it. Ethan wanted speed and shine; Mara wanted proof that the system could not be copied and sold without consequences.
That was when Victor Crane appeared—an investor candidate with perfect teeth and polite eyes that never rested. He praised Lattice, but his questions stayed fixed on ownership, access, and control. Mara felt measured, like a part he planned to purchase separately.