through the room - even for a seasoned corporate like Alexandra Vance

ed smoothly, gesturing them toward the expansive conference ta

Elias Thompson, her long-time legal rival. Ever since their Harvard Law days, Elias loved finding subt

is meeting was their last opportunity to argue against the legal loopholes O

r perfectly tailored navy pantsuit, smoothing bac

ounced. "Our legal team has prepared a reasonable proposal

drew the packet, instinctively guarding her reactions, w

his was unacceptable. She closed the folio

echnology we developed ourselves," Alexandra said evenly. "You're trying to take advantage of a quest

ling her fingers. "We built Vance from the ground

ed firmly b

ity. We won't be forced into handing over what we r

eclined casually, unruffled

"Partnership requires reasonable compromise, as I'm sure

old. "Indeed. "We've already proposed fair licensing terms ref

lement counteroffer. El

completely distorts the market land

a fired back. "Our partnerships prove our competi

uns strong in your family, Alexandra. Perhaps a short br

tone. Dorian placed a subtle hand on

hdrew to strategize, A

he fumed. "They must think we're fools who ca

cross the sleek tiles. Dorian sprang

t we must remain calm. You know Oscar's type. If we

ming breath. Her brother was right. Los

ations, Alexandra felt focus

stood Ronald Alba - former lead engineer and frequent friendly dinner gue

in disbelief. "What

thically obligated to provide context on yo

clearly a pawn in Oscar's ga

a

system originated from my old prototypes

d, and in violation of your confidentiality clause, no less. Vance's in

ba's firsthand account, I expect you can understand t

ng - to use Ronald to break their uncertain peace agr

she composed herself, flipping open

n..." she began, her voice fi

e's work was on the line, and