*Subject: Legal Representation Inquiry*
Mr. Allen,
Our firm specializes in technology law and corporate structuring. Given your recent media exposure and company growth, we believe you may benefit from dedicated legal counsel.
We'd like to schedule a consultation to discuss tax optimization, IP protection, and regulatory compliance strategies.
Please contact us at your convenience.
Barry forwarded it to Gideon. "Vet this firm. If they're legitimate and qualified, schedule a meeting."
"Processing. Initial background check shows solid reputation. No red flags. Scheduling for Thursday afternoon."
Good. Barry needed proper legal infrastructure. His shell companies and basic setup had worked for early stages. But now he was handling hundreds of millions in contracts. That required professional support.
His phone buzzed. Text from Iris.
"FORBES?! Why didn't you tell me?! Call me NOW."
Barry smiled and dialed her number.
She answered immediately. "Barry Allen. Five hundred million dollars and you didn't think to mention it?"
"It's not liquid. Just company valuation."
"Still! That's insane! I knew you were working on something but I didn't know it was this big."
"It grew faster than I expected."
Iris laughed. "You're being modest. The article makes you sound like the next Elon Musk."
"I'm not that ambitious."
"Liar. You're exactly that ambitious." Her tone softened. "I'm proud of you, Barry. Really. This is incredible."
"Thanks. Want to celebrate? Dinner this weekend?"
"Absolutely. But somewhere fancy. You can afford it now, Mr. Five Hundred Million."
They talked for another ten minutes. Light conversation. Iris was genuinely happy for him. No jealousy. No resentment. Just authentic excitement.
Barry appreciated that. In a life increasingly complicated by secrets and calculations, Iris remained uncomplicated. Real. Grounded.
When he hung up, Barry returned to work. Gideon had compiled the business inquiry list. Forty-seven serious contacts. All wanting contracts or partnerships.
Barry worked through them methodically. Responding to the most promising. Delegating others to future consideration. His enhanced intellect made the prioritization trivial.
By noon, he'd responded to twenty-three inquiries and scheduled twelve meetings over the next two weeks.
His phone rang again. This time the caller ID showed "STAR Labs."
"Barry Allen."
"Barry, it's Caitlin." Her voice sounded professional but Barry detected underlying excitement. "Have you seen the news?"
"The Forbes article? Yeah."
"Everyone here is talking about it. Cisco keeps showing people the part where you're quoted. He's very excited to be working with someone famous."
Barry laughed. "I'm not famous. Just got some press."
"You're trending on three social media platforms. That's pretty famous." Caitlin paused. "Dr. Wells wanted me to make sure you got his email about the symposium. He's hoping you'll say yes."
"I already replied. I'm presenting."
"Good. That's good." Another pause. "Barry, can I ask you something personal?"
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