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Aston confirms, his frustration evident. „Exactly. I told her it’s not what we’re about. We’re not here to chase money, but to do foundational research and gain a better understanding of the world. She doesn’t get it, not at all. She has always been a lot more pragmatic than me and values everything on the basis of how much money can be made with it. And of course, she won’t accept a ‘no’ from me. Now she’s threatening to cut funding for another research project I lead.”
My heart sinks at the revelation. „Oh, not the Riemann research?”
He leans back, a distant look in his eyes. „That’s the one. All of my PhD candidates would lose their jobs and their prospects for an academic career. I regret ever getting my family’s business involved in this, but it made sense at the time because we needed the funding, and it helped with some tax issues my father was having. But now, this provides my demonic sister with the wrong kind of leverage.”
„I’m so sorry,” I say, reaching for his hand. „She can’t really do this, though, can she?”
He shrugs. „My sister can be very persistent, and she’s a spoiled brat. If she wants something, she usually finds a way to get it.”
„What does your father say to all of this?” I want to know.
Aston manages a small smile. „He doesn’t care. I talked to him on the phone about it, and he mostly lamented the fact that my sister and I are arguing, again. He never wanted any part of that. And from a business perspective, I guess that it makes sense, for them.”
„Maybe…” I begin, my words carefully measured. „Maybe there’s a chance you’re too quick to dismiss Mariah’s proposal. Developing an algorithm for profit might not be as detrimental as it seems. It could be a unique project, practical yet interesting. I think it sounds rather interesting, to be honest.”
Aston’s eyebrow arches, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. „You can’t be serious. You know how I feel about compromising the integrity of my work for the sake of profit. It’s not what we’re about.”
I tilt my head, trying to convey the potential advantages without sounding too forceful. „I get that, of course, I do. But think about it. The real-world application, the impact it could have—it’s not just about money. It could be a fascinating avenue of exploration from a researcher’s standpoint, too.”
He leans back, crossing his arms defensively. „I can’t believe you’re saying this. Do you agree with my sister, then? That there’s no point in foundational research? That if it doesn’t have immediate economic value, it’s worthless?”
My eyes widen at the intensity of his reaction. He looks visibly hurt, as if I’d just thrown a personal insult at him.
„No, that’s not what I meant. I just think there’s potential in finding a balance. It doesn’t have to be a compromise of principles, but an evolution of our work?”
He scoffs, his frustration palpable. „Evolution? This is nothing but a distraction, a detour from what my research is really about.”He shakes his head, adding an exasperated sigh. „You really don’t get it, do you?”
He looks disappointed when our eyes meet, and I feel the same way. While I empathize with him, I don’t understand why he’s so stubbornly against even considering this collaboration.
I sigh, realizing the gravity of our disagreement. „I’m not saying you should abandon your principles. I just think we shouldn’t dismiss the idea outright. There could be a middle ground.”
He shakes his head, a mix of disappointment and anger in his eyes. „I never thought you’d side with Mariah on this. I thought you understood the importance of foundational research, the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.”
„I do understand,” I say. „I may not be as…passionate about number theory as you are, but I’m still here, aren’t I? I chose this path, and I see the value in it. I just think that we can delve into theoretical work while exploring opportunities that allow our research to make a tangible impact out in the world.”
He scoffs and pulls away, a sense of betrayal in his gaze. „I never thought you’d be pushing me in the same direction as her.”
As he retreats into his thoughts, I’m left with a sinking feeling in my gut.
We sit in tense silence while I grapple with the realization that our paths may not align as seamlessly as I once believed.
Chapter 32
Aston
I can’t get the look on her face out of my mind. She looked so sad and disappointed, as if I’d discarded her like an unwanted toy.
The night was ruined after our argument. I simply couldn’t get myself to forget about the feeling of betrayal that filled me after she sided with my sister on a matter so important to me.
I’ve always been the odd one out, alone with my interests and my convictions, especially where my family is concerned. They never understood my lack of interest in generating more wealth by simply stepping into my father’s shoes. My parents are rather old-fashioned in many ways, and they both wanted me to take over the family business as the only son. When I showed no interest in doing so, my father was still reluctant to hand it all to Mariah. I understand my sister’s frustration about it, and the constant need to prove herself in front of our father.
But that doesn’t mean I will give in to her, and Claire doesn’t seem to understand that. It looks like we’re not as alike as I thought at first, and maybe that’s what’s really bothering me. I thought she would be different.
Still, I didn’t want to send her home that night.
The mood was ruined of course, and we spent the night in silence, watching an old movie on the couch while the cats fought over the best place on our laps.
It was a strange and unexpected evening, but I was still glad to have her in my arms that night, even though we barely spoke to each other.
