Chapter 18 – Rewriting the Algorithm

**Geneva – International Cyber Ethics Summit**

Serena stepped onto the podium in a tailored slate suit. Cameras flashed. Global delegates waited.

She cleared her throat.

> “When systems predict harm before it happens, we must ask: who gets to define risk—and who becomes disposable when profit writes the code?”

A silent pause.

Then thunderous applause.

Her slides appeared behind her: **Shi v. LuTech – The Fall of Predictive Harm Algorithms.**

A young reporter raised a hand during Q\&A. “Are you still in contact with the original subject of the algorithm?”

Serena answered without pause. “We remain in cautious alignment. That’s all I’ll say.”

**Rainport – Julian’s New Office at Lighthouse Initiative**

Julian clicked through livestream headlines from Geneva. His phone buzzed.

A donation receipt came in: *\$10,000 under name “Willow Shi.”*

Peter raised an eyebrow. “That’s you, isn’t it?”

Julian smiled. “Technically, it’s her birthday gift. Funded anonymously.”