The next day, he went online to search for any current news about the Sterlings. While searching, he came across a post that said that Alexander Sterling was going to give a speech at a tech innovation summit in A city. It was just an hour's train ride from his campus to the A city and the event is at the end of the week. It was open to the public (or at least, to those who could afford the expensive ticket). Cameron stared at the event page. The ticket cost more than his entire secret savings. It was impossible.
But he still has hope, a way of getting what he wants, someone that is connected to that world.
He spent a full day battling with his thoughts. He knows it's risky and that he's inviting a Buddha to his house. But he really needs this opportunity, he needs to see Alexander Sterling physically, to make a close contact with him.
He called the number on the black card from a payphone near the train station.
"Graves", someone from the other side answered with a flat and serious voice.
"This is Cameron Reed." He said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I need… I would like to ask for help in getting into an event. It's the Tech Horizon Summit and it's holding this Friday", he started, the excuse he had recited flowing out smoothly. "I've been assigned a case study on Sterling Global for my university assignment. Attending and observing how the Summit is carried out and the CEO's speech will help me a lot in my research and assignment."
"One moment", the man said, sounding disinterested.
He was put on hold for several minutes. When Graves returned, his voice changed. He spoke like someone who's boss had taken notice and was told to be alert "Your request has been approved. A digital pass will be sent to the anonymous email connected to your 'Cipher' freelance account. Do not download it to your personal phone, use a burner. We'll be watching you. Do not get too close to the CEO. You're going there only to observe and take notes for your research. Is that clear?"
"Yes," Cameron whispered, his throat tight. We'll be watching you. So, Mr Blackwood still has interest in him. He was still under surveillance.
"There is a condition," Graves continued. "After the event, you will submit a of your observations to this secure server." He recited a string of characters. "Consider it a tuition fee for your… school research."
They were asking him to submit a report. The price he has to pay for what he wants. "Understood."
The call ended. An hour later, checking his encrypted freelance email on the burner phone in the library, he found the pass. It was a VIP media pass.
——————
Friday arrived. Cameron put on the best clothes he had, trying to look like a legitimate, young journalism student. The summit was held in an exquisite convention center. The space was filled with the voices of investors, innovators, and business elites. Cameron felt like a turtle without a shell, like he doesn't belong.
He slipped into his seat in the hall just when the lights dimmed for the Sterling Global speech. The stage was a masterpiece. And then he walked out.
Alexander Sterling.
In person, the man was a magnet, drawing all eyes and attention to him. The large screen projections couldn't capture the controlled power and pressure coming out of him. He spoke with authority, his voice deep and captivating as he spoke on a vision for sustainable AI. He was brilliant, formidable, and as cold as a glacier.
Cameron didn't hear a word of the speech. He was studying the man's face, his hands, the way he carries himself. He was looking for… something. A curve of a brow that was identical to his own? An identity lip shape? He felt nothing but a powerful, intimidating distance. This wasn't a brother, this was a king addressing his kingdom.
But then, as Alexander concluded and the audience clapped, something shifted. As the CEO was looking at the audience one more time before leaving the stage, his eyes landed on Cameron.
Alexander's eyes, from fifty feet away, made contact with him. The cool, professional mask didn't crack, but Cameron saw the small flutter in his movement, the almost impossible narrowing of his gaze. It was the same thing he'd seen in Anna Sterling's eyes in the park. It was not recognition, but an instinct that had been triggered.
The moment lasted less than two seconds, then Alexander removed his gaze. He gave a final nod, and left the stage to a new wave of applause.
Cameron sat frozen in the almost empty auditorium, his stomach coiling, his ears ringing. Alexander had seen him, and maybe as a threat.
He had gotten what he came for, he had seen the CEO and because of that he had placed himself in the sight of one of the most powerful, obsessive men in the country.