Chapter 10 - The Patent Trap
Sterling Biotech’s most valuable asset was a medical imaging patent portfolio.
Without it, the company was worth half as much.
Martin knew that.
He held the release document like a hostage note.
“You take control,” he said, “I refuse transfer cooperation.”
Marcus answered, “The security agreement compels it.”
Martin smiled.
“Litigate.”
Ethan stared.
Martin continued.
“Two years. Maybe three. Meanwhile the patents sit in dispute.”
Chad looked relieved.
Brooke looked sick.
Isabella stood near the elevator, silent.
Ethan said, “You’d destroy your own company.”
“To stop you from taking it?”
Martin shrugged.
“To negotiate.”
There it was.
The entire Sterling culture in one word.
Employees.
Partners.
Daughters.
Patents.
People.
Ethan looked at Brooke.
“Did you know?”
“No.”
Martin snapped, “Brooke, don’t.”
She ignored him.
“No. I didn’t.”
Ethan believed her.
This time.
Then Isabella spoke.
“My brother works for Sterling.”
She swallowed.
Martin frowned.
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“He told me last month they stopped ordering basic supplies.”
Martin’s expression hardened.
Isabella continued.
Chad scoffed.
Ethan looked at him.
Isabella’s voice shook, but she kept going.
“My brother said management told them the company was fine.”
Martin snapped, “It is.”
“Then why are scientists buying their own gloves?”
Ethan turned to Marcus.
“Now?”
“Now.”
Martin laughed.
Ethan looked at him.
Martin’s smile faded.
“I need enough evidence to trigger the fraud covenant.”
Marcus understood.
Martin went pale.
Chad stepped forward.
Marcus held up the audit drive.
“We may.”
Chad looked at Isabella.
“You should’ve gone home when they fired you.”
Isabella stared back.
“No.”
Ethan looked at her.
“Good choice.”
Then Marcus’s phone rang.
He answered.
Listened.
“Ethan.”
“What?”
“The lab building fire alarm just activated.”
May you like
Isabella’s face drained.
“My brother is working tonight.”
