Page 71 of Daring Destiny
CognifyAI’s lead lawyer, who I call Blue Suit, leans forward. “Ms. Gustafsson, let’s start by discussing your role in Reuniverse. Please describe what you do.”
“Certainly.” Astrid nods, cool as a goddamn cucumber. “I handle the marketing, business strategy, and user engagement for Reuniverse.”
A perfect, succinct answer giving nothing else away. Brilliant.
Blue Suit scribbles something on his notepad. “You’re a realtor, why would Mr. McGloughlin partner with you on this project?”
“Because it’s my idea and I brought it to him.” She smiles contritely.
He scratches his head. “Huh. Interesting. CognifyAI started as a real estate app. Were you aware of its origins?”
“Yes.” She stares at him.
Blue Suit flips through some pages. “It’s strange he’d partner with you, don’t you think? Why did he?”
“My background in real estate has given me a lot of experience understanding how to connect people and build networks, which is central to Reuniverse’s vision.” She looks at her fingernails, which are painted blood red. “So, not strange considering I brought the idea to him.”
“Let me get this straight,you’rethe one who had the idea for Reuniverse?” Blue Suit raises an eyebrow.
She mirrors his eyebrow raise. “Yes.”
“So, how did you come to partner with Mr. McGloughlin? Please give me the details.” BS is back to scribbling on his notepad.
“Brennan and I went to high school together. I reconnected with him through his brother, Connor, and I pitched the idea of doing something AI-focused for our reunion. I had a basic concept and suddenly we were discussing the idea of creating an app to help people reconnect in a meaningful way. It was meant to be for our reunion, but we both saw potential, so it developed into a business partnership.”
BS’s eyes narrow, like he’s found an fissure in our story. “When you say ‘discussing,’ Ms. Gustafsson, do you mean these conversations happened during CognifyAI working hours?”
“No. We’ve always kept our work on Reuniverse separate from Brennan’s responsibilities at CognifyAI. Our discussions and planning happened after hours, on weekends, and through private, separate channels.” Astrid’s face is so serene, it’s uncanny. She’s killing it.
BS leans back and shoots his colleague a knowing smirk. “Interesting. And how would you describe your relationship with Mr. McGloughlin?”
My pulse spikes and I see Astrid’s lips tighten slightly. We’ve prepared for this question and I know where this is going—they want to use our relationship against us. To suggest I’ve been using Cognify’s resources to benefit a personal project.
“We’re in a committed relationship.” Astrid is clear and steady. “And it’s none of your business.”
BS’s smile is cold and calculating. “Oh, it is CognifyAI board’s business. Mr. McGloughlin cannot fraternize with his staff.”
“We’ll, I’m not his staff,” she replies, not missing a beat. “I’m his co-founder. And if you know Brennan so well, you’d realize how hyper-meticulous he’s been to ensure there’s no overlap.”
Madam mediator interjects, “Please keep this focused on the matter at hand. CognifyAI, if you have specific evidence to present, please do so.”
BS slides a stack of documents across the table to the mediator. “We’ve conducted a forensic audit of Mr. McGloughlin’s digital activity, and there are still unresolved questions. This is a motion requesting full access to all related documentation, including code, emails, and any internal memos related to Reuniverse. It extends to Ms. Gustafsson as well.”
I can’t help but stiffen in my chair. “I’ve provided everything,” I grit out. “Reuniverse operates on a completely separate system. I’ve purchased independent hardware, software, and hired separate personnel. On my own dime. With my own contracts.”
“Yet, you can understand our skepticism,” BS replies smoothly. “He’s the founder of CognifyAI and his fiduciary duty requires disclosure of any projects overlapping with CognifyAI’s interests. Given Reuniverse’s scope, it’s reasonable to investigate whether there’s been any misuse of resources.”
Astrid leans to Joe Finney, my lead attorney. “Do I need to answer him? Brennan has been transparent, and already shown them everything. Reuniverse was built with separate funding, separate resources, and on our own time.”
I can see the CognifyAI team bristle at her words. They’re not used to being challenged so directly, especially by someone they’re interrogating. But Astrid’s spot-on, and they know it. She’s been a force, coordinating with our lawyers, gathering documents, and strategizing on how to push back. Without her, I’d be drowning.
BS shifts tactics. “I’ll withdraw the question. Let’s talk about funding. Who financed the development of Reuniverse?”
“I did.” I lean forward. “Out of my own pocket. I hired independent developers, set up a separate LLC, and ensured there was no conflict with CognifyAI.”
“Who are the developers?” BS flips through his notes. “We have reason to believe some of your team members might have worked for CognifyAI in the past.”
“None of the developers currently working on Reuniverse have been employed by CognifyAI.” I shake my head. “Most of them are based in India and have no ties to my work at CognifyAI.”