The crystal bead continued its persistent, biting pressure against my ribs as I lay beneath the heavy, mahogany-framed bed.

Six months later.

The grand opening of the Bennett Cyber-Security Institute at Stanford University was attended by over five hundred dignitaries, academics, and industry leaders.

The new building was a marvel of modern architecture—a sleek, glass-and-stone structure designed entirely by Bennett & Vance Design. It was built to house the world’s most advanced research labs dedicated to protecting civil infrastructure and personal digital rights from corporate state-sponsored threat actors.

I stood at the podium in the main auditorium, looking out over the crowded room.

In the front row sat Arthur Vance, looking proud and distinguished, and Julian, who held our three-month-old golden retriever puppy on a leash while giving me a subtle, encouraging nod.

"My father believed that code was more than just logic," I said into the microphone, my voice steady and resonant. "He believed that digital security was fundamentally about human dignity. It is about protecting individual truth against those who seek to manipulate power behind closed doors."

The audience listened in rapt silence.

"Two years ago, I learned firsthand how easily trust can be weaponized," I continued, looking directly at Julian. "But I also learned that truth has a permanent signature. It cannot be deleted, it cannot be rerouted, and it cannot be destroyed by those who fear it."

I gestured to the massive bronze plaque mounted on the wall beside the podium, bearing my father’s name and his signature encryption algorithm.

"This institute is dedicated to every person who has ever had to fight for their voice in the dark. May it serve as a light that never goes out."

The auditorium erupted into thunderous, standing applause.

As I stepped down from the podium, Arthur Vance walked up to me, his eyes misty with pride. He took both of my hands in his, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

"Your father is watching today, Hannah," Arthur whispered softly. "And he is smiling."

Julian walked up beside us, wrapping his arm around my waist, pulling me close to his side. "You were incredible, my love."