No Turning Back Now

Eli tried to look at the people in the helicopter with him without being obvious about it.

He didn't want them to think he was a fanboy. But wow! He couldn't believe he was going to be attending an event with so many big names.

These were the ultra-rich and influential people he dreamed of rubbing shoulders with his whole life. In fact, he had studied the careers of the three people he currently shared a helicopter with as a young boy, when he dreamed of making something of himself and yearned to someday be like them.

There was Marvin Bell. The ex-CEO of Bell United and newly appointed mayor of New York City.

And Marquesa Palacios. A world-renowned fashion designer whose fame for pushing boundaries showed in the dress she wore.

Dennis Robertson. To be on a helicopter with anyone from the Robertson family was a privilege in and of itself. Their history and ties to the elite of the world would open doors Eli had only dreamed of.

They were all attending a party on the private island of Roger Baas. The man who made himself a legend in the UK and then internationally with his large business holdings. He owned so many companies, it was difficult to keep track of them all.

Eli took a deep breath as the realization truly hit him. He was going to a party with these people.

He closed his eyes and mentally ran through a few of his daily affirmations.

I am successful.

I am a money magnet.

Wealth is attracted to me.

I am able to gain money and power to use it for good.

I am worthy.

"You look like you've seen a ghost."

Startled out of his reverie, Eli looked up and into the eyes of Marquesa Palacios.

"I'm sorry?" He wiped the look of shock off his face and then blushed when he realized it was too late.

She laughed.

"I take it this is your first time?"

"My first time?"

She flitted her hand, indicating the scene around them.

"Your first time to come to one of these."

"Oh." Eli pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes. It's my first time."

"Goody!" She clapped her hands together and bounced in her seat. "I love first-timers! I'll show you around when we land. It's really something else."

"Um, thanks."

"You're that Madden boy, aren't you? Didn't you own that software company, X5?"

Eli groaned inwardly. While he was pleased she knew about him and his company, the last thing he wanted was to be seen as a boy among these people.

"Yes. With my brother."

"Incredible stuff really. I love following successful tech founders. It fascinates me how new money can ride to power by harnessing technology. You're genius inspires!"

"Um, thanks, again."

"You sold it, right? Heard you made a mint on it."

"It was enough."

"Enough. Hmph. I bet that was more money than you ever dreamed of having in your life."

He tried not to look pained.

"No worries, no worries. New money is just as good as old money, my dear. Just as long as you know how to use it and not flaunt it like some of those god-awful gaudy nouveau riche you see in the tabloids."

Still at a loss for words, Eli nodded.

"But, of course, you wouldn't be here if you were one of them, would you?"

"Would I?"

"Gods no! Only the most elite of the elite come here. This isn't just some rich people party Mr. Madden. This is a party for people with a purpose. To further the human race!"

She shouted the last line, drawing the attention of the others on board and making Eli wince.

"Do you wish to further the human race, Mr. Madden?"

"That's why I worked so hard to get to where I am, of course."

"Then you, sir, are in the right place."

She peered out of the helicopter's open door.

"We're landing soon. Please, have a glass of champagne with me when we do. I'd love to chat with you about your ideas."

Eli nodded his assent, wondering what exactly it was that he had gotten himself into.

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