Page 70 of The Omega Switch: Part 2

Chapter 35

Ivy

The courtroom was quiet with anticipation. The judge sat silently for several minutes, reviewing his notes while every person in the room waited. I sat there, sweating, even though I knew I’d given it my best shot. Finally, the judge looked up.

"I have reached my decision regarding the ownership of the disputed patents." He said, and my anxiety peaked. I leaned forward, hoping beyond anything that justice would be served.

"The plaintiffs presented extensive documentary evidence showing that Nestwell Aesthetics filed and maintained these patents. Normally, these records would carry substantial weight." He paused, glancing toward my family's table.

"However, intellectual property law also protects invention, not just paperwork," he said as I held my breath. "And one fact became increasingly clear. Ivy Carrington demonstrated an intimate understanding of the reasoning behind each formulation, including the problems the products were originally designed to solve, and the modifications made throughout the process." He looked toward Arabella.

"No representative from Nestwell was able to explain those same decisions, or why a product was even created in the first place. No amount of documentation can compensate for an absence of such knowledge. The testimony presented convinces this Court that Miss Ivy Carrington was the true inventor of the formulations."

I let out the breath I’d been holding.

"The patents in question are therefore assigned to Miss Ivy Carrington."

I was in shock, hoping I'd heard correctly. Then my lawyer turned to me, smiling widely. “You won, Ivy.” She said. I turned without thinking. Hunter, Elias, and Ronan were already rushing toward me. Strong arms scooped me into a hug, and I had never felt so relieved in my life.

"Ivy, you did it!" Elias said into my ear. I felt every emotion at once. I smelled Hunter and Ronan as each of them wrapped me up, my body encircled by them, lifted off the ground. For one perfect moment, nothing else existed. Then someone shouted behind us.

"Ivy!" I turned, and the pack set me down, but didn’t back away. My father was already marching toward us, with George and Aaron close behind him. Their faces were flushed. "Alright, you’ve made your point," my father said, his voice irritated. “We understand. You have the patents. We’ll raise your pay and give you creative control when you come back to work.”

My jaw dropped open. “Excuse me?” I asked, my brain spinning at the audacity.

George jabbed a finger toward me. "You've embarrassed this family enough." He started to say, but my father grabbed his hand and pushed it back down.

“Look. All families have disagreements. I suppose we put a little too much faith in Arabella and not in you.” He said, glancing over his shoulder at Clara and Arabella, who were still seated. “I think it’s time we put you out in front and center. Arabella can have a different role. What do you say?” He asked, and I felt a low rumble from Ronan at my back, his growl threatening to disrupt the whole room. I grabbed his hand, and he went quiet. I looked at my fathers, and for once, I wasn't afraid.

"I've actually been hoping we'd have this conversation," I said, stepping forward. “But you’ll have to wait until my attorney sets up a meeting for negotiations.”

My father's expression became uncertain. "What negotiations?"

I relished the looks on their faces as I told them about my upcoming plans. "My mother's ownership stake transferred to me. So, I own a significant percentage of Nestwell. And yes, I know about it. Not that you ever told me." I said. Neither of them said a word, glancing at each other nervously.

"And now, I also own the patents for the products that built your company. You've spent years selling those under Nestwell." I looked at each of them. "They now belong to me. So I decide whether Nestwell has permission to manufacture or sell them." I said, and their faces started to pale. Without my approval, Nestwell couldn't legally sell the products that made up most of its revenue.

My father looked at me, bug-eyed. "What do you want?" he asked.

I felt Ronan’s hand squeeze my shoulder. The pack was still there, at my beck and call, and they were letting me handle my family. But they would intervene in a moment if I asked. Yet, I didn’t need them to. I was finally strong enough to stand up to them on my own.

"I haven't decided yet," I said, lifting my purse to my shoulder. “But be ready for the negotiations to begin. You’ll hear from my attorney.” Then, I turned and walked away. Pack Vale gave my fathers one last glare, then huddled around me, protecting me from every angle as we left.

“I’m so damn proud of you,” Hunter said, whispering the words to me as he pulled me tightly to him. I smiled, the joy of the win finally hitting me. We turned toward the hall to leave, but I slowed down.

“Let me freshen up real quick,” I said, and the men nodded as I turned to the restroom. I pushed the heavy door open, reveling in the quiet solitude as I leaned against the counter and looked at my reflection. My cheeks were still flushed with anxiety, but my eyes were bright. I looked happy. I couldn't stop smiling as I washed my hands, splashing water on my face to cool off after the drama of it all.

A sob interrupted the moment. Someone was crying softly, the noise coming from one of the restroom stalls. I froze as I heard another sob, recognizing the tone.

"Arabella?" I asked, my stomach tight. The crying stopped, and a second later the stall door flew open. Arabella stormed out, her mascara messy beneath her swollen eyes. She looked like a mess - I’d never seen her look this way, ever. She faced me, her expression full of anger.

"Why are you doing this?" she demanded. I stepped back, shocked at her words.

"What? What are you talking about?" I asked, looking at her incredulously.

"Why are you trying to ruin my life?" She asked, glaring at me as she crossed her arms. I stared at her, not sure if I’d heard her correctly.

"I'm not ruining your life, Arabella. I just fought for the truth. To be honest, it’s one of the few times I stood up to any of you.” I said, trying to understand what she was talking about.