Chapter 3

The knowledge of the IP ownership was like a steel rod inserted into my spine.

I drove to Miller Farms, past the sprawling fields that were a testament to Grandpa Joe' s brilliance.

Jess was in her expansive office, Ethan Vance hovering nearby, looking more like a favored son than an intern.

"We need to talk," I said, my voice steady.

Jess looked up, annoyed. "Mike, I'm busy. And I told you, this discussion about Joe is over."

"You froze our accounts, Jess. You' re threatening Grandpa Joe's care."

"I' m protecting my company, which, by extension, supports us all," she retorted, a dismissive wave of her hand. "Ethan has assured me it was a complete accident."

Ethan chimed in, his voice smooth and practiced. "Mr. Davis, I am so terribly sorry about your grandfather. It was a tragic, unforeseen event."

"Unforeseen?" I said, looking directly at him. "Or just negligent?"

Jess stood up, her face flushing. "How dare you? You' re just jealous, Mike. Jealous of Ethan' s drive, his success. Something you' ve never had."

The accusation, so baseless, so cruel, barely registered. The old Mike might have flinched, might have argued.

The new Mike, owner of her company' s lifeline, just looked at her.

"This isn't about jealousy, Jess. This is about justice for my grandfather. And it's about this." I placed a copy of the IP ownership transfer on her polished desk.

She glanced at it, then back at me, confused. "What is this?"

"That," I said, "is Grandpa Joe's legacy. And now, it's mine. Miller Farms' license to use it exclusively just expired."

Her eyes scanned the document, slowly, then again, faster. The color drained from her face.

Ethan looked back and forth between us, a flicker of unease in his charming demeanor.

"This... this can't be right," Jess stammered. "Our lawyers..."

"Your lawyers apparently missed this, or Grandpa Joe made sure they would," I said. "It' s ironclad."

Her composure, usually so absolute, shattered. "You think you can use this against me? Against my company?"

"I think," I said, "that I can ensure my grandfather gets the care he needs without your blood money."

Her face contorted with rage. "You wouldn't dare undermine Miller Farms."

"You threatened his life, Jess. You chose a reckless intern and a corporate image over family."

The argument escalated, her voice rising to a shriek. She accused me of plotting this, of trying to destroy her.

"You' re slandering my mentorship of Ethan!" she screamed, and then her hand flew out, connecting with my cheek in a stinging slap.

"Get out!" she yelled. "Get out of my office, get out of my house! You' re done!"

Security guards, alerted by the commotion, appeared at the door.

I didn' t resist as they escorted me out. I had the original IP documents secured in my bag.

As I reached my car, my phone rang. A restricted number.

"Mr. Davis? This is Eleanor Vance, CEO of GreenLeaf Organics. I believe we have a mutual interest to discuss regarding Joseph Davis's outstanding intellectual property. We're prepared to make a very significant offer."