Chapter 4

GreenLeaf Organics was Miller Farms' biggest competitor, known for its more ethical, sustainable practices. Eleanor Vance was a legend in the industry, sharp and decisive.

Her offer was more than significant; it was staggering. A multi-million dollar deal for the rights to use Grandpa Joe' s IP.

I accepted without hesitation.

The advance alone was enough to move Grandpa Joe immediately.

I arranged for a private medical transport to a top-tier neurological and orthopedic facility in the city, renowned for its specialists.

The doctors there were optimistic, their approach more proactive. For the first time in days, a sliver of hope pierced through my anger and despair.

Grandpa Joe was finally getting the best possible care, no thanks to Jess.

A week later, the annual Agricultural Expo was held, a massive event showcasing the latest in farming technology and produce.

GreenLeaf Organics had a prominent booth, and Eleanor Vance invited me as her guest.

It felt strange to be there, not as a community college teacher tagging along with his CEO wife, but as a partner to her main rival.

I saw them across the crowded hall – Jess and Ethan, schmoozing with industry bigwigs.

Jess spotted me first. Her eyes narrowed, a look of pure venom.

Ethan, ever the charmer, sauntered over, Jess a few steps behind, her arms crossed.

"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in," Ethan said, a smirk playing on his lips. "Mike, isn't it? Still teaching those dusty old history lessons?"

I ignored him, my gaze fixed on Jess.

"Enjoying the expo on someone else's dime for a change?" Jess sneered. "I hear GreenLeaf is desperate for any edge they can get."

"Some edges are sharper than others," I replied, my voice calm.

Ethan stepped closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, loud enough for those nearby to hear. "Heard about your grandpa, Mike. Tough break. Guess some old folks just aren't cut out for modern farm equipment. Maybe he should have stayed retired, tending his little garden."

The casual cruelty of it, the public humiliation, made my fists clench.

Jess added, her voice carrying, "And don't think you can rely on my generosity for his medical bills indefinitely, Mike. My patience, and my funds, are wearing thin."

She clearly had no idea Grandpa Joe was no longer in the local hospital, no longer dependent on any theoretical access to her money.

It was at that precise moment, as her threat hung in the air, that her phone buzzed.

She glanced at it, her expression shifting from smugness to confusion, then to outright panic.

Her assistant was on the line, her voice audible even from a few feet away, frantic and high-pitched.

"Ms. Miller, there's a huge problem! We've just received a cease and desist for using the Davis IP! Our access is cut off! And... and Joseph Davis, he's been moved! He's not at County General anymore, he's at the City Central Specialist Hospital! We're also barred from three key tech presentations here at the expo due to IP expiration and challenges from GreenLeaf!"

Jess' s face went white. She stared at her phone, then at me, her eyes wide with dawning horror.