Patent Pending

"I had just returned from the world's largest tech summit when my mentor called. She has always been like a mother to me.She told me she had arranged a marriage for me, with the daughter of a close friend of hers, Tania Jones.She was a rising talent in the capital's business scene, and a number of my patents were licensed to her company, forming the core technology behind their latest products.After working late in the lab, I changed into a carefully chosen suit and went to the engagement ceremony.However, I was stopped at the entrance by Elias Yates, Tania's personal assistant.He was wearing a perfectly tailored designer suit, every detail immaculate. He looked more like the groom than I did."If you know what's good for you, walk away," he said with an icy smirk. "An orphan with no background should know his place. You are not worthy of Ms. Jones."I frowned and replied, "Does Tania know you are speaking on her behalf like this?"Elias let out a mocking laugh."A kept man living off his mentor's reputation could never understand how important I am to Ms. Jones."There was obsession and pride shining in his eyes.I looked at him for a moment, then dialed Tania."If this is your idea of welcoming your fiancé," I said evenly, "then perhaps my patents should only be shown to you on paper, right before I sell them to your rival instead.""