Mara understood the difference. She had proof that she built Lattice. She had logs, drafts, and old files. What she needed now was proof they knew it and erased her anyway. She needed intent, apart from just a timeline.
She positioned herself near the acquirer’s deputy counsel and listened. She heard the same phrases repeated—“assignments,” “representations,” “licensing rights.” Everyone sounded rehearsed, like they had practiced answers for a risk they hoped would never show up in the room.