Chapter 101 Don’t Even Think About Using Her Patent
Curtis had no choice but to step onto the stage and begin presenting the contents of the proposal line by
line.
Usually, he could deliver this presentation with practiced ease. He’d done it in front of government
officials and even memorized half the content by heart. But now, even with the proposal in his hands, his words came out halting and strained.
A sense of shame washed over him, especially under Chloe’s gaze.
After he finally finished, Edward, who’d been optimistic on Green Tech, spoke up. “I personally find this an excellent project proposal. Drones will play a significant role in the development of the island.
“More importantly, the patent held by Green Tech can greatly enhance drone efficiency, reduce labor costs, and accelerate progress. I see a lot of potential here for Green Tech.”
With his endorsement, applause followed.
Suddenly, Chloe’s voice broke through the sound. “I didn’t think you would claim my patent and even steal the proposal I wrote.”
Curtis stiffened awkwardly before he snapped back, “This proposal belongs to Green Tech. You may have resigned, but anything you worked on during your employment belongs to the company.”
“It seems you’ve completely abandoned all sense of shame,” Chloe sarcastically retorted.
Curtis‘ face flushed red in embarrassment. “If you won’t stop with the slander, Chloe, I won’t show mercy, regardless of the past we shared!”
Chloe almost laughed out loud at his words. If he’d ever cared about her, why would she have had to endure such misery during their three years of marriage?
“When have you ever shown me mercy, Curtis? Sonya’s the only one you truly care about, isn’t she?” she
mocked.
“You…” Curtis choked, at a loss for words to retort. Meanwhile, Sonya was helplessly subjected to everyone’s stares once again.
“And in case you’ve forgotten, I resigned before that proposal was completed. That means it’s currently incomplete,” Chloe added.
“What? Incomplete?” He seemed stunned because he hadn’t noticed any incompleteness, and the proposal had seemed thoroughly comprehensive to him.
Chloe explained, “The patent mentioned in the proposal does significantly improve drone efficiency and application range, but it’s from three years ago. Technology has advanced since then, and so have the drone interference systems.
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“If anyone deploys top–tier jamming and interference signals, your drones won’t be any different from useless scrap metal. My patent requires an additional anti–interference program to remain effective.”
If they hadn’t gotten a divorce, she would have upgraded the patent’s technological advancements herself. But since Curtis had insisted on taking it, she would ensure that even if he owned the patent, it
would be completely useless.
The blood drained from Curtis‘ face as he grasped the meaning behind Chloe’s words. It seemed everything he’d worked for had been in vain. Since the proposal failed to address the flaw Chloe had pointed out, it had completely lost its value.
The audience quickly caught on. It turned out that Curtis–the rising star Edward had highly praised–had submitted a proposal and patent that belonged entirely to Chloe, his ex–wife.
He himself had contributed nothing and had merely recited the proposal aloud–something anyone could
- do.
“So all this time, has Curtis been parading his ex–wife’s work?”
“He’s divorced her, yet he’s still living off her work and ideas.”
“Couldn’t he have contributed something of his own?”
“Maybe his entire success these past three years was built on her back.”
Every whispered doubt felt like slaps of humiliation in Curtis‘ face, but there was nothing he could do to fight back right now.
“In this case, do you intend to continue discussing Green Tech’s proposal, Mr. Walker?” Brian piped up. Edward gave an awkward laugh. It was obvious to anyone watching that there was no reason to continue with Green Tech’s proposal, so he announced, “Let’s move on to the next representative.”
Curtis stood frozen in place until the host gently reminded him to step down. Only then did he force himself to leave the stage, his steps stiff and rigid.
“It’s fine, Curtis. We can think of a better plan. I have faith in you!” Sonya stepped forward to soothe him, but her words of comfort made him feel as though a heavy boulder were crushing his chest, forcing all the air out of his lungs.
If he were capable of devising a better plan, he would never have used Chloe’s proposal in the first place. He’d resorted to it only after both his team’s and his own ideas had been rejected.
Worse, he’d intended to leverage Chloe’s patent to help Green Tech achieve greater heights and swiftly dominate the commercial drone market. But Chloe’s words sent a chill through him.
What would become of Green Tech if the patent were truly unusable? Dominating the commercial drone market was nearly impossible now, and not only would they miss out on the island development project, but they might also face bankruptcy due to cash flow issues.
Chapter 101 Don’t Even Think About Using Her Patent
That was an outcome he would not accept under any circumstances.
His head snapped up, and his eyes fixed intently on Chloe as if he were deep in thought.
That night, the investment conference ended with a charity gala, which was the final activity before they left the island. Its proceeds would benefit children in orphanages.
Many of the children were brought in, including the child who’d fallen into the sea. Chloe smiled and waved, relieved to see Maisie in much better spirits than when she’d visited her in the medical room.
As the charity gala began, many of the wealthy attendees contributed substantial sums, eager to bolster their reputations through charity.
Willow, who was representing the Qualls, donated three million dollars. On her way down from the stage, she taunted Chloe, “Great–Grandpa has always praised the fifth branch as a family of heroes.
“Now that you’re the sole heir of the fifth branch’s fortune, aren’t you being too stingy by not donating even a little?”
Chloe retorted, “Didn’t you just donate three million dollars on behalf of the Qualls? Or are you suggesting that the fifth branch is no longer part of the Quall family?”
Willow faltered. If she ever had the guts to deny the fifth branch of their rightful place among the Qulls, not only would Geoffrey give her a thorough lecture, but Wade, who was present today, would also severely chastise her.
“Of course that’s not what I meant,” Willow replied, forcing a smile while silently cursing Chloe.
Just then, the content on the gigantic screen, which had been displaying orphanage videos, switched to show something else.
Surprised gasps rippled through the banquet hall, and Sonya, who was standing beside Curtis, turned pale as the new footage began to play.
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