Chapter 50

Benson paused for a second, then glanced at me, his smile faint. "It's so much easier talking to smart people," he said. I simply smiled and stayed quiet, waiting for him to go on. "I heard you want to start your own company and go independent. Is that right?" He didn't beat around the bush. I nodded and answered honestly, "Yes." Benson seemed surprised. "From the way you talk, it sounds like you're ready." "I am." "Starting a business is no walk in the park, Max. It requires a lot of upfront capital, and getting both the initiative off the ground and partners on board isn't easy." I nodded and smiled. "True. But my company is already registered. I've already found the location, and the launch is in a few days. I'd be honored if you could attend." That wasn't just a courtesy. I wanted to make it clear I was serious and to kill off any last-minute hopes he had of keeping me here. Benson looked at me, surprised. "You've already made all these preparations?" "Yeah. I've also fou