Page 72 of Daring Destiny
BS doesn’t look convinced. “You’re telling us none of them used any CognifyAI technology or resources to develop the app?”
“Yes,” I say firmly. “We’ve been extremely careful.”
The mediator interjects again, trying to keep things on track. “CognifyAI, please move on.”
There’s a pause, and I can see BS trying to decide his next move. Astrid’s perceptive. This is called “stalling.” They’ve already delayed the IPO because they want me to sign Reuniverse over. They’re trying to keep me tied up in this legal dispute to force my hand.
Astrid squeezes my knee under the table, a silent reminder to stay calm.
“We’ve noticed some connections between Mr. McGloughlin’s family and potential investors.” BS abruptly shifts topics. “Specifically, we’ve heard Jason Deveraux is interested in investing. How much money has he given you?”
My heart skips a beat and I feel a flash of anger. I’m still unclear how they found out about our meeting. Astrid doesn’t miss a beat. “Mr. Deveraux is apotentialinvestor. His connection to Brennan’s family is through Connor, who’s in the band Less Than Zero with Mr. Deveraux’s son Jace. I’ve known him longer than Brennan as I’ve been Mr. Deveraux’s realtor for years.”
“We’d like to issue a request for all documentation regarding Mr. Deveraux,” BS insists, his eyes glinting. “And any agreements he’s party to regarding Reuniverse.”
The mediator cuts in again, sensing the rising tension. “Let’s stick to the facts. If CognifyAI has specific concerns, they need to be addressed formally. This is a mediation, not a trial.”
On and on it goes. I find myself tuning out. As the session winds down several hours later, I’m drained. Nothing’s resolved. I hate this uncertainty. I’ve spent years building CognifyAI, and now it feels like my ambition and talent is being used against me.
Once they finally leave, I look over at Astrid to see how she is. I’ve never seen her more sure of herself and it gives me a flicker of hope.
“We’ll be fine,” she whispers as we gather our things. “They don’t have anything. They’re trying to make you panic.”
I don’t feel as confident as she does. “I wish this was over. I’m tired of fighting.”
Astrid turns to me, her eyes sharp. “Oh, we’ll finish this. We’re going to win, B. I know it in my bones.”
God, I love her.
Other than my brother Connor, I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t get rattled when faced with such adversity. It makes me believe her.
Maybe we can get through this mess and come out the other side with everything we’ve built intact.
“Okay.” I let out a long breath. “I’ll follow your lead.”
There’s nothing like a strong, self-assured woman.
Especially when she’s yours.
twenty-nine
Astrid
Two Weeks Later
IloveBrennan’sfamily.
They’re so different from mine.
I cut ties with mine after that horrible brunch. I’ve not made a big deal about it but I’m sick of clinging to hope I’ll find a way to fit into my family’s world. Witnessing how my mom treated Brennan made me realize a truth I’d been avoiding for years. Something’s wrong with them.
They’ll never see me for who I am. Only for who I’m not.
I’m tired of the dismissive comments about my work or the cold, passive-aggressive digs about my ambition. It’s exhausting tiptoeing across glass during every single interaction. Feeling like I’m one wrong step away from being verbally annihilated.
I’ve spent years trying to earn approval that’s always out of reach. That morning, something snapped inside me.
I realized, I’m done.