Chapter 8 Calm before the storm

The sleek glass door swept open, and Oscar's sharp grin sent a chill through the room - even for a seasoned corporate like Alexandra Vance. She kept her gaze neutral, refusing to reveal a hint of intimidation.

"Alexandra, Dorian...so kind of you to make time," Oscar greeted smoothly, gesturing them toward the expansive conference table with a panoramic view of the city's steel and glass towers.

The calm before the storm. Alexandra thought as she took her seat across from Oscar's right hand man, Elias Thompson, her long-time legal rival. Ever since their Harvard Law days, Elias loved finding subtle ways to undermine Alexandra's approach in the courtroom. This time the stakes were higher than ever.

She had warned Dorian this trip into the viper's nest could get ugly. But this meeting was their last opportunity to argue against the legal loopholes Oscar's team recently discovered that could threaten their company's software.

Alexandra straightened a nonexistent crease in her perfectly tailored navy pantsuit, smoothing back her long flaxen hair into a sleek high ponytail.

"Let's get straight to business then, shall we?" Elias pronounced. "Our legal team has prepared a reasonable proposal we believe serves all stakeholder interests appropriately."

He slid a leather folio across the table. Alexandra withdrew the packet, instinctively guarding her reactions, while carefully reviewing the complex terms with Dorian.

They were ceding far too much IP control. This was unacceptable. She closed the folio gently, meeting Oscar's self-assured stare.

"While I appreciate the... creative approach your lawyers have taken, we cannot hand over rights to technology we developed ourselves," Alexandra said evenly. "You're trying to take advantage of a questionable loophole. But the core intellectual property belongs to us based on our innovation and effort."

She continued, punctuating her statement by steepling her fingers. "We built Vance from the ground up. Your offer ignores our hard work and vision."

Dorian nodded firmly beside her.

"You're trying to capitalize on an absurd technicality. We won't be forced into handing over what we rightfully visioned and built from scratch," he said.

Elias frowned while Oscar reclined casually, unruffled by the outright rejection.

"Come on now, there's no need to be hostile" he purred. "Partnership requires reasonable compromise, as I'm sure you'd agree..." His tone like honey laced with arsenic.

Alexandra interjected firmly, before Oscar's mind games took hold. "Indeed. "We've already proposed fair licensing terms reflecting each side's investments, while protecting our core IP"

She extended their settlement counteroffer. Elias scoffed in response.

"Your valuation is unrealistic and completely distorts the market landscape. We can't justify those terms."

"I hardly consider facts 'distortions,'" Alexandra fired back. "Our partnerships prove our competitive edge, and the numbers reflect that advantage."

Oscar feigned a disappointed sigh. "I see stubbornness runs strong in your family, Alexandra. Perhaps a short break to provide...clarity." His eyes glinted dangerously.

She stiffened at Oscar's condescending tone. Dorian placed a subtle hand on her wrist before she spoke impulsively.

As Oscar and Elias withdrew to strategize, Alexandra paced angrily.

"How dare he imply we're being irrational," she fumed. "They must think we're fools who can be easily pressured over unimportant issues."

Her stilettos clicked aggressively across the sleek tiles. Dorian sprang up, gently grasping her shoulders.

"You're doing brilliantly, Alex," he reassured. "But we must remain calm. You know Oscar's type. If we get angry or frustrated, he gets what he wants."

Alexandra stopped pacing and took a calming breath. Her brother was right. Losing composure could cost them everything.

When they returned to negotiations, Alexandra felt focused. Until she saw Elias smirk.

The glass door glided open again. Alexandra blinked rapidly. Before them stood Ronald Alba - former lead engineer and frequent friendly dinner guest of the Vance family before heated resignation eighteen months earlier.

"Ronald?" Dorian said in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

Oscar took control again. "Mr. Alba feels ethically obligated to provide context on your architecture's origins. Isn't that right?"

Ronald shifted uncomfortably, clearly a pawn in Oscar's game. Still, he met Alexandra's

gaze.

"Yes, I realized parts of your navigation system originated from my old prototypes, before your father ended that project."

Alexandra's eyes narrowed dangerously. "That's an outrageous lie, Ronald, and in violation of your confidentiality clause, no less. Vance's infrastructure was developed separately after you left," she said firmly.

Oscar tapped the folio victoriously. "And with Mr. Alba's firsthand account, I expect you can understand the magistrate will view things rather differently."

Alexandra steadied herself. This was his plan all along - to use Ronald to break their uncertain peace agreement. She had to expose the flaws in his accusations.

As Dorian shot her a knowing look, she composed herself, flipping open her folio, ready to counterattack.

"I see. Let's get started then..." she began, her voice filled with renewed confidence.

Their father's legacy and life's work was on the line, and this battle was far from over.