The gala had only just begun when Eugene Blake's emissary, a sleek man in a tailored suit, slipped into the room. He moved with practiced ease. Undoubtedly accustomed to blending into high-society events, scanning the crowd until his eyes landed on Kevin and Vanessa.

Kevin dived deep in conversation with a group of academics, his usual awkwardness replaced by the confidence that came from discussing his life's work. Vanessa stood by his side, hinting on some social clues he might miss, her presence lending him an air of assurance. The emissary approached them with a smile that didn't move over his chicks, like the top of his face was just made of wax.

"Mr. Craft, Mrs. Craft," he greeted smoothly, extending a hand.

Kevin shook it hesitantly, while Vanessa offered a polite nod. "Yes?"

"I'm here on behalf of Eugene Blake," the man began. "He's very interested in your work and would like to discuss a potential partnership."

Kevin's brow furrowed. "Blake? The financier?"

The emissary nodded. "Indeed. Mr. Blake sees immense potential in your probabilistic models and believes they could revolutionize market strategies."

Vanessa's smile faltered slightly as she exchanged a glance with Kevin. "Our work is focused on preventing crises and saving lives," she explained carefully.

"Of course," the emissary replied smoothly. "But imagine the impact if applied to financial markets. The precision of your models could predict economic trends with unparalleled accuracy."

Kevin felt a knot tighten in his stomach. "I'm not sure we're interested in diverting our research in that direction."

The emissary's smile widened, though it remained just as insincere. "Mr. Blake is prepared to offer substantial funding—far beyond what you've received until now."

Vanessa interjected, her voice firm but polite. "Our priorities lie elsewhere. We're committed to using our research for humanitarian purposes."

Kevin nodded in agreement, feeling a swell of gratitude for Vanessa's intervention.

The emissary's eyes flickered with something akin to impatience before he composed himself once more. "I understand your hesitations. But Mr. Blake believes that financial stability can also contribute to global well-being."

Kevin felt an instinctive distrust towards this man and his employer's motives. "We appreciate the offer," he stated cautiously, "but we'll need time to consider it."

The emissary inclined his head slightly. "Of course. Please take all the time you need." He handed Kevin a business card with Blake's contact information embossed in gold.

As the man walked away, Vanessa turned to Kevin with concern etched on her face. "What do you think?"

Kevin sighed deeply, pocketing the card without looking at it again. "I don't trust him—or Blake for that matter."

Vanessa nodded thoughtfully. "We should discuss this further at home."

Later that evening, after the gala had wound down and they'd returned to their apartment, Kevin and Vanessa sat together at their kitchen table—a stark contrast to the opulence of the event they'd just left.

"What if he's right?" Kevin mused aloud, though doubt clouded his voice. "What if applying our models to finance could help stabilize economies, contribute to a better distribution of wealth?"

Vanessa shook her head gently but firmly. "It's too risky, Kevin. Think about who we're dealing with—Blake is known for his ruthless business tactics and avid market acquisitions, I doubt he's interested in sharing wealth with others."

Kevin leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I know... but what if there's some merit to it?"

Vanessa reached across the table and took his hand in hers, grounding him once more. "Maybe, but not with someone like him. Our work is too important to be corrupted by the likes of Blake," she concluded softly but resolutely.

Kevin met her gaze and felt a renewed sense of clarity wash over him—he knew she was right.

"We'll decline," he confirmed finally, squeezing her hand reassuringly.

Vanessa smiled warmly, relieved by his decision. "We'll find another way to secure funding—one that aligns with our values and goals."

As they sat together in the quiet comfort of their home, Kevin felt a weight lift from his shoulders—a reminder that no amount of money or influence could ever replace the integrity of their work or the strength of their partnership.

The next morning, Kevin drafted a polite but firm email declining Blake's offer and sent it off without hesitation—knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together with resolve and a clear conscience.