Then Preston started talking about his company.

He'd left banking two years earlier to start a business. An app called Learnly.

“It's going to change everything,” he said. “Kids take a photo of their homework. The app gives them the answer, step by step. Instantly. No teacher needed.”

He looked at me and grinned.

“No offense, Grace, but in five years, my app does your job. Teachers are going to be obsolete.”

“Preston's raising money right now,” said Madison proudly.

“Monday's the big one,” said Preston. “I'm pitching BrightPath. You've heard of BrightPath, right? The online tutoring people? They've got an investment fund for education companies. If they put in ten million, I'm made.”

I went very still.

“Have you met them?” asked Trip.

“Only the CEO, on a video call. Ben somebody. Nice guy. But the founder chairs the fund committee. Nobody's ever met the founder. Never does interviews. Some kind of recluse.” He laughed.

“Probably some old guy who made his money in the eighties,” he said. “I'll charm him. I always do.”

I took a very slow sip of water.

“Good luck on Monday, Preston,” I said.