Whitaker Group was holding its product launch at the most upscale convention center downtown.
The venue blazed with stage lights, and rows of press cameras were trained on the center of the stage.
Nolan stood beneath the spotlights in a perfectly tailored black suit, radiating confidence.
Brielle, in a pale blue designer gown, had one arm looped through his. With her sweet smile, she looked every bit the princess.
I sat in the shadows of the last row, watching the farce unfold with cool detachment.
Elias sat beside me, relaxed in his seat.
“Thank you to all the members of the press for joining us today.”
Nolan spoke into the microphone with calm confidence.
“Today, Whitaker Group is unveiling a breakthrough in marine technology: a new fireproof, waterproof textile called Brielle Weave.”
He’d even changed the name.
He’d even branded my life’s work with Brielle’s name.
Applause filled the room.
Brielle took the microphone, her eyes slightly red as she put on a show of being moved to tears.
“Developing this technology was incredibly difficult. There were so many times I wanted to give up, but Nolan kept encouraging me and supporting me.”
She looked at him with open affection.
“Brielle Weave doesn’t just represent Whitaker Group’s innovation. It’s also a symbol of the bond Nolan and I have shared for years, like brother and sister.”
Camera shutters rattled nonstop as reporters captured the supposedly touching moment.
“Ms. Sutton, we’ve heard this material can withstand direct flame and strong acids. Is that true?” a reporter in the front row called out.
“Absolutely.”
Brielle lifted her chin proudly.
“We’ll demonstrate it for you right now.”
Staff wheeled a glass display case onto the stage.
A piece of silver-white fabric hung inside, glowing softly beneath the lights.
It was a defective sample made from the last batch of my concentrate.
Nolan picked up a blowtorch himself and aimed it at the fabric.
Blue flame roared out and swallowed the lower edge.
The crowd gasped.
But when the flame died away, the fabric was untouched. There wasn’t even a scorch mark.
The room erupted in applause.
Brielle basked in it.
“And that’s not all. It remains completely waterproof even under extreme water pressure.”
Nolan lowered the torch and prepared for the next demonstration.
That was when Elias stood.
He adjusted his jacket and walked straight toward the stage.
“Mr. Whitaker, if this really is a revolutionary material, why not put it through a more serious test?”
He didn’t raise his voice, but the tiny wireless mic clipped to his lapel carried every word through the hall.
Every head turned toward him.
Nolan frowned at the unexpected interruption.
“Professor Carter. What are you doing here?”
Recognition brought a note of caution into his voice.
“I came to see how Whitaker Group managed to turn someone else’s life’s work into a monument to your love story.”
Elias stopped beside the display case.