Chapter 392
“Miss Rivers, are you using BYC’s exclusive patented technology?”
Samuel looked intently at Niamh as he asked.
Niamh nodded.
“Yes.”
The moment Niamh admitted it, Marina nearly jumped for joy.
“See, Samuel? Didn’t I say so?” she crowed. “Niamh’s already infringed on the patent, so this contest should be declared in my favor-”
She turned to Niamh, her tone turning sharp. “You used my mentor’s patented design. You owe him a licensing fee-”
Niamh watched Marina’s aggressive posturing, her expression complicated, especially at Marina’s repeated “my mentor” as if she owned the man.
The guests couldn’t contain themselves. Conversations broke out in hushed tones, everyone eager to weigh in.
Jonathan, however, remained silent. He rested his right hand on his knee, idly rubbing his forefinger and thumb together.
It seemed as though Marina had Niamh cornered.
Jonathan glanced sideways at Elmer.
Elmer smiled back, as mild–mannered and composed as ever.
“As the apprentice of Master BYC, I’m authorized to collect the patent fee on his behalf,” Marina declared, holding out her hand to Niamh with righteous confidence. Niamh regarded her coolly. “You keep insisting you’re Master BYC’s apprentice. Can anyone actually prove it?”
Marina paused, then whipped out her phone.
“Of course.”
After a brief wait, someone arrived.
When Susy appeared with a man Niamh didn’t recognize, Niamh frowned in confusion.
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“And you are…?” she asked.
Susy replied with a smug tilt of her chin. “He’s Master BYC’s personal attorney. He can confirm Marina is BYC’s apprentice, and-”
Before Susy could finish, the man pulled a letter from his briefcase.
“Miss Rivers, you are suspected of infringing on my client’s exclusive patent rights. I’ll need you to come with me to our firm at once,” he said, stiff and officious.
Every eye in the room landed on Niamh–some expectant, some judgmental, some sympathetic.
Jonathan continued to watch her in silence, thinking:
If you just look my way, I’ll step in.
Niamh didn’t miss a beat. “You accuse me of infringing on your client’s patent. Where’s the patent certificate?”
Marina sneered. “Still denying it, Niamh? Everyone here knows my mentor filed the patent ages ago!”
“So where is the certificate?” Niamh repeated, calm and unruffled.
The attorney dabbed at the sweat beading on his forehead, his composure slipping. “I–uh–I was in such a rush, I didn’t have time to bring it.”
Niamh smiled slightly and turned to someone in the crowd.
Jonathan saw her. look at Elmer.
“Elmer, could you help me out?”
“Of course,” Elmer replied, instantly rising to his feet.
He followed Niamh’s instructions, quickly turning on the computer and projector at the front of the room.
A few clicks later, Niamh brought up a website on the screen.
“This is the Aldonia Patent System,” she explained, voice steady. “If you e patent number here, the electronic certificate appears immediately.”
the
As she spoke, the attorney could only wipe his brow, looking increasingly flustered.
“How would I know the patent number?” he muttered.
Chapter 392
“Why not call your client and ask?” Niamh suggested.
“My client’s a world–class designer–he’s far too busy for this nonsense.”
“It’s just a phone call,” she said lightly. “It won’t take a minute.”
“I said he’s busy, and that’s that!” the attorney snapped, his voice echoing through the room and silencing the murmurs.
Niamh sighed. “It’s really not that complicated…”
In full view of everyone, she typed a series of numbers into the patent system. Instantly, the electronic certificate appeared, projected in crisp detail for all to see.
Seamless Curved Hidden Inlay Technology
Applicant: Niamh Rivers
Inventor: Niamh Rivers
Patent Holder: Niamh Rivers
