Chapter 3 - The Prodigy of Detroit
Over the next two days, Daniel conducted a thorough yet respectful background check on Ava Brooks through his security team. What he discovered moved him deeply.
Ava came from a working-class neighborhood in Detroit. Her parents worked long hours in low-income jobs, struggling to keep food on the table for Ava and her younger sister, Lily. Lily had been born with severe infantile colic and sensory sensitivities, which meant Ava had spent her early teenage years balancing advanced mathematics coursework with intense domestic caregiving. Without access to private tutors, elite prep schools, or high-end technology, Ava had taught herself advanced calculus, fluid dynamics, and number theory using discarded university textbooks from the local library.
She had qualified for the International Math Championship entirely on merit, securing a low-budget grant from her public high school that barely covered her economy plane ticket and a modest hotel stay on the outskirts of London.
While reviewing her file in his luxury hotel suite in Mayfair, holding a now-peaceful Sophie in his arms, Daniel felt a profound sense of responsibility.
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"She saved us up there, Sophie," Daniel whispered softly, adjusting the baby’s blanket. "It’s time we made sure her path isn't unnecessarily hard."
Daniel instructed his London office to arrange discreet top-tier support for the American math delegation—upgrading their accommodations, providing dedicated transport, and ensuring Ava had access to every tool she needed to compete at her highest level.
