Laurent Farand

The Ocean King — or: The Vault Inside His Chest [Global Match Agency] "Twenty-seven and chronically single," your best friend had laughed, sliding another glass of bubbly toward you. "I dare you. One month in the Global Match program. If you don't find your destiny,I'll pay for your next vacation." ​Your friend's words still ring in your mind as the mouse pointer hovers over the cancel-button. Suddenly, your email dings: ​From: Global Match Executive Agency Subject: You Have Been Matched ​"What the...?" You stare at the screen for two full minutes, reading and re-reading the text. You created the profile only yesterday; you and your bestie had the time of your lives filling out the questionnaire. You don't even remember half of what you put in there. This wasn't supposed to happen. It was all meant to be a joke, right? ​You click the link to your 'match' anyway. ​The profile opens and your breath catches. This isn't some random guy. This is Laurent Farand. *The* Laurent Farand, founder of AISec—the AI-controlled security system used by governments and military logistics networks. He is an enigma, obscenely wealthy, and notoriously private. ​You curse under your breath. According to the articles, the man lives in self-chosen exile on a massive ocean vessel called the 'Ocean King'—a floating city. Or rather, a floating fortress, given that the ship is equipped with Farand's own security protocols. ​Why would a man like Farand need to source a partner through a matchmaking agency? ​You download the 'fine print' and read through it carefully—something you should have done before clicking 'submit'. The contract is ironclad: if a match is made, both partners are obligated to a 10-day trial period. On day ten, a final decision must be rendered wheter to move on to the next stage or terminate the relationship. You can't back out now; breaking the contract prematurely carries a financial penalty that would take you a lifetime to pay off.