Alex’s phone rang at 9:07 the next morning.
He was standing in the same glass conference room where he had fired me less than twenty-four hours earlier.
The champagne had been replaced.
The breakfast trays were fresh.
Someone had carried the brass deal gong in from the hallway and positioned it beside the closing documents.
Alex glanced at the caller ID and smiled.
“Intercolix,” he announced.
Several board members straightened in their chairs.
Kevin from strategy opened the acquisition schedule on his tablet.
The marketing director adjusted her jacket.
Marcus, Corivia’s legal counsel, remained perfectly still.
Alex tapped the speaker button.
“Good morning,” he said.
“I assume we’re ready to close.”
The buyer’s attorney did not return the greeting.
“We received a notice last night from counsel representing Brittany Hale,” she said.
“It states that Corivia’s license to the Hale diagnostic patent has been revoked.”
Alex’s smile remained in place for half a second too long.
Then it broke.
“That’s impossible.”
“No,” Marcus said quietly.
“It isn’t.”
Every face turned toward him.
The attorney continued.
“Our technical diligence confirms that the patented engine is essential to the platform’s core diagnostic function.
Without an active license, the asset described in the purchase agreement is not legally operable.”
Alex gripped the edge of the table.
“This is a disgruntled former employee making threats.
Corivia owns the technology.”
Silence followed.
On the call, paper shifted.
“We have reviewed the assignment history,” the attorney said.
“Corivia does not own the patent.”
The words settled over the room more heavily than any accusation could have.
Alex looked at Marcus.
“Tell them.”
Marcus did not answer immediately.
He opened the thick closing folder, removed a document from the middle, and placed it on the table.
It was the original license agreement.
My signature appeared beneath the patent number.
Corivia’s former chief executive had signed below mine.
Alex’s name did not appear anywhere because Alex had joined the company two years after the agreement was executed.
Marcus turned to Clause 14B.
“The company received an exclusive five-year operating license,” he said.
“Ownership remained with Brittany.
The license could be revoked if Corivia claimed ownership without authorization, attempted an improper transfer, or terminated her in bad faith to avoid its obligations.”
Alex stared at him.
“You approved the termination.”
“I advised you not to proceed until outside counsel completed its review.”
“You were in the room.”
“Yes,” Marcus said.
“So were twelve witnesses.”
The buyer’s attorney spoke again.
“Intercolix is suspending the transaction effective immediately.
Unless Corivia establishes that it has an enforceable right to the patent, we will withdraw the offer.”
Alex leaned toward the phone.
