“That’s right,” Annika said confidently. “Our tech is really very innovative, and no one’s done what we’re trying to do, so we’re blazing a completely new path. As such, we’ve overcome many novel challenges in the area of deep learning with neural networks that we didn’t previously foresee. There’s also a compelling future predictor feature we’re working on and hope to have release-ready soon—”

“Thank you,” David Smith said, sounding bored.

Rude little annoying—

“And how many are on your team?” Jim Hernandez asked, still looking as astonished as if he’d just learned an alien bug colony had taken up residence in his nose.

“Two right now,” Annika said, weariness threatening to drag her down. She hadn’t slept at all last night. Not even a catnap. It was a wonder she could string coherent sentences together. She tamped down her urge to check her smartwatch again. Her heart was at her father’s hospital bedside, not here with these cold, soulless men who would decide the fate of Make Up, an app built around love and passion. She wanted to save her business desperately, but her father took precedence over everything else. “My developer, June Stewart, and me. Of course, we do have plans to expand, but knowing how many new businesses go under by expanding too quickly, we’re biding our time in that arena. Having just the two of us makes us nimble and adaptable, which we feel is important in this economy. When June needs extra assistance, we hire developers on a freelance basis.”

Lewis Stenton finally looked up from his notebook. “You said the idea came to you after learning your parents’ love story.”

“Yes, that’s right.” Annika attempted a smile, though she could tell it wobbled. She took a deep breath and added, “My father—” Her voice choked up on the word “father,” but she rushed on, hoping she wouldn’t break down completely. “—used to tell me stories about their time together instead of reading me books at bedtime. Their love story became my lullaby. My mother died when I was very young, and them not being able to have their second-chance romance inspired me to found Make Up.” She sniffed at the end, in spite of her best efforts. Actually sniffed. Dammit. She was completely fucking this up.

Lewis Stenton leaned forward. “So, you might say you have a very emotional connection to your business.”

Annika wasn’t sure what to make of his glinting eyes, which were reminiscent of Mr. McManor’s. “Yes. I believe most people who launch start-ups are emotionally invested in their businesses.”

“Hmm.” He sat back. “But perhaps some more so than others. And perhaps emotions of that level don’t have a place in business.”