“Wait… you’re—?”
The entire room froze.
The judge leaned closer, motioning for me and my attorney to approach the bench. In a quiet voice, he asked,
“Are you the same Lucas Bennett who founded Bennett Analytics?”
I nodded.
Bennett Analytics had grown quietly but powerfully. Within a few short years, it became one of Chicago’s fastest-growing data consulting firms, valued at over ten million dollars, featured in prominent business publications, and employing two dozen people. I had built it without fanfare, without telling my parents, without needing their approval.
When the judge returned to the bench, he looked directly at Greg and Claire.
“Let’s begin.”
Immediately, Claire stood, flustered. “Your Honor, our son has emotional issues—”
The judge cut her off.
