A Fund of His Own

Capital followed attention. By late 2024, Ghostline managed $680 million. Ethan moved to a larger office but kept the cheap coffee machine in a conference room as a reminder of constraints. He bought better suits and still ate lunch at his desk. He learned that luxury was less dangerous than comfort. Comfort made managers believe drawdowns were personal insults rather than job requirements. Victor Kane did not move openly. Atlas Meridian continued to dominate league tables and television panels. But small frictions appeared. A prime broker reduced Ghostline's financing on unrelated grounds. A data vendor abruptly raised prices. A conference invitation disappeared.