Claire Bennett.”
I stood.
For three seconds, the auditorium stayed silent.
Then thousands of people rose with me.
My phone started vibrating inside my gown before I reached the stage.
Mom.
Dad.
Vanessa.
Mom again.
I ignored them all.
Dean Harrison shook my hand.
“Your parents must be proud.”
I smiled politely.
“They had other plans.”
His expression shifted, but he didn’t ask.
After the ceremony, reporters crowded around the technology building.
“How long did you keep Asteron private?”
“Five years.”
“Why?”
“Because building something mattered more than being known
