CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE - The Unexpected Arrival

Claire felt her heart skip a beat. How did he know about that? Mason's eyes narrowed. "You've heard about that?" Mr. Langford nodded. "It's been in the news. Intellectual property theft, wasn't it?" The tension at the table ratcheted up several notches. Claire could feel Mason's hand tighten around hers. "Dad," she said, her voice low and warning. "I don't think this is the time or place-" "No, it's alright," Mason cut in, his voice tight. "Yes, Mr. Langford, there is a lawsuit. But I can assure you, the allegations are completely unfounded. Universe X has never stolen anyone's intellectual property." Claire's father held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I didn't mean to imply otherwise. I was just curious about how it's affecting the company. And you, of course." Mason's jaw clenched. "It's... challenging. But we'll get through it." An uncomfortable silence fell over the table. Claire desperately searched for a way to change the subject, but before she could speak, their