And documented our ownership.
The initial arrangement was straightforward.
I contributed most of the capital.
I also contributed intellectual property, business plans, and valuable commercial relationships.
Julian contributed operational expertise and agreed to manage day-to-day activities.
Under the original ownership schedule, I received sixty-one percent.
Julian received thirty-nine percent.
We both signed.
The documents were filed and preserved.
And for a while, everything worked.
In the beginning, Julian treated me like a partner.
He asked for my advice.
Respected my decisions.
And proudly introduced me as the person who understood the financial side of the business.
We worked late nights.
Ate takeout in our tiny office.
And celebrated every new contract.
When our first major customer signed, Julian lifted me off the floor and spun me around.
“We did it!” he shouted.
I laughed.
“Yes, we did.”
He kissed me.
Then whispered:
“One day, we’re going to build something extraordinary.”
