Page 39 of The Omega Switch: Part 2
That caught my attention.
“An equity interest?”
“If she developed the core product lines and the company profited from them without proper credit, there may be grounds. We’ll need records, laboratory notes, internal communications, anything proving authorship.” I knew that her family had misappropriated funds, including underpaying her. But the problem was finding proof of her patent ownership. Also, Ivy had left with almost nothing.
“Prepare everything,” I said. “I want a complete analysis before the end of the day.”
“Hunter, it’s not our case, we-”
“And find counsel who specializes in intellectual-property theft,” I ordered.
“Alright.”
I ended the call and immediately contacted Elias.
“What happened?” He asked, having already felt my fury through our bond.
“The Carringtons are moving against Ivy’s boutique. They’re claiming her products infringe on patents owned by their company.”
He only sighed. “Yeah, I know. She’s processing it right now.” He said.
“She already knows?” I asked, pacing through my office.
“They served her this morning, right after I left. Used an omega so that no one would be suspicious.” He said. Typical. The family constantly ambushed her. The thought of Ivy there in the boutique, only just recovering, while someone handed her a lawsuit made my vision sharpen with rage.
“How is she?” I asked.
“Worried, but trying not to show it.” I paced behind my desk.
“Elias, I want to help. I want to talk to her. Can I text her?”
Elias hesitated. In the old days, that would have insulted me. But after everything, I understood it. I’d been a poor pack leader. I’d lost us Ivy, and I didn’t blame Elias or Ronan for being distant with me.
“I’ll ask,” he said. Several long minutes passed before my phone buzzed.
She says you can contact her.
I stared at the message, my heart hopeful. I sent a quick text to Ivy, explaining that I had more information on her family’s claim and that I wanted to meet her to help her with options - if she felt comfortable.
Her response came several minutes later.
Where?
My heart felt like it could soar. Ivy wanted to meet with me - even if it was to go over legalities. I suggested a private office at an independent legal center near the boutique. It seemed like a good idea - somewhere neutral, with none of our pack scent saturating the walls.
She agreed.
*****
I arrived forty-five minutes early. I felt odd, my body prickling as I waited in anticipation. Then I realized it - I was nervous, for the first time since I was a child. I was so nervous that I actually re-read the entire folder by the time I heard Ivy enter.
She paused just inside the doorway. I looked up, and the sight of her struck me with enough force that I forgot to breathe.
She looked healthier than she had the night she got sick, though a slight weariness still remained in her eyes. Her hair was pulled back loosely, and she wore a sweater and jeans. Overall, she looked healthier - brighter, despite her illness. Then, as I caught her eyes, every moment I’d spent with her flashed through my mind.
I remembered the first time I met her at the gala, when she’d been timid and unsure - and the pure happiness and delight in her eyes when I’d fed her dessert. I remembered the quiet intelligence in her gaze when she spoke to me about product development for the first time. The way she had looked at us before the test results came back about our Bond match. The moment I Alpha Barked her. That memory rose above the others, and I felt my body relive it even now. I remember her face going pale, her body locking beneath the command, and the horror in her eyes.
I had spent my entire adult life trying to avoid choosing the wrong omega. I had built algorithms, commissioned studies, and urged layers of testing because I believed simple courting was unreliable. Then, when it mattered most, I let lies manipulate my instincts and failed to recognize the woman standing right in front of me.
