His black suit remained immaculate.
But the expression on his face was different.
He no longer appeared to be surveying a room full of people who existed solely to admire him.
He was watching students ask questions.
Technicians explain their work.
And employees discuss careers that might take them far beyond the hangar.
The CEO's father approached him.
For a moment, the two men simply looked at one another.
They hadn't spoken face-to-face in decades.
Then the billionaire extended his hand.
“It's good to see you.”
The older technician considered him.
Then shook it.
“You too.”
The billionaire glanced toward the aircraft.
“I remember the old days.”
The technician smiled faintly.
“Some of them were good.”
The billionaire nodded.
“Some weren't.”
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then the billionaire looked toward the man.
“I should've listened to you.”
The technician studied him.
The billionaire continued.
“About that aircraft.”
The older man nodded.
“Yes.”
The billionaire looked down.
“And about more than that.”
The technician remained quiet.
Then he said, “You can't change what happened.”
The billionaire nodded.
“I know.”
The technician looked toward the students.
“But you can help make sure the next generation doesn't have to fight the same battles.”
The billionaire followed his gaze.
Young people moved between the displays.
Some were taking notes.
Others were listening to demonstrations.
A few were laughing excitedly near the aircraft stairs.
He looked toward the technician.
“I hope that's what we're doing.”
The older man nodded.
“Then keep doing it.”
They stood beside one another for several moments.
Not as owner and employee.
Not as billionaire and mechanic.
Just two men who had lived long enough to understand that being right and being powerful were not the same thing.
The launch ceremony began shortly after noon.
The CEO stepped onto a small platform beside the white aircraft.
Behind her stood technicians, educators, program coordinators, and students.
There was no enormous financial screen.
No announcement of a record-breaking acquisition.
No attempt to make the day about one wealthy person.
She adjusted the microphone.
Then looked toward the audience.
“Almost a year ago, I stood in this hangar for a very different reason.”
A few people smiled.
She continued.
“We were preparing to complete a major business transaction.”
She glanced toward the aircraft.