A woman seated at the far end of the table slowly reached for the document.
Her name was Liao Shu-fen, an independent investment adviser known for negotiating complex technology transactions.
She examined the registration information.
Then looked toward me.
Her expression became serious.
“What's your name?”
I lifted my chin.
“Naomi Ellis.”
For several seconds, she stared.
Then she looked toward the patent records again.
“Naomi Renee Ellis?”
“Yes.”
She turned toward Chairman Hsu.
“Chairman, I believe we have a serious problem.”
He leaned forward.
“What problem?”
Shu-fen held up the document.
“The registered patent owner is standing right in front of us.”
Victor suddenly reached toward the paper.
“Give me that.”
I placed one hand over it.
“No.”
His face reddened.
“That's confidential company material.”
I looked directly at him.
“No, Victor. It's a copy of my own patent registration.”
The chairman stared at his son.
Then back at me.
For the first time that evening, he seemed uncertain.
He looked toward Yu-han.
“Is this true?”
The young engineer swallowed.
Then nodded.
“Yes.”
His expression became furious.
“Why wasn't I informed?”
Yu-han's eyes filled.
“You were.”
Nobody moved.
Then she added quietly.
“Your investment team received the ownership records six weeks ago.”
Chairman Hsu looked toward Victor.
His son was staring at the table.
I watched the change in the older man's face.
Surprise.
Anger.
Suspicion.
Then something colder.
He looked back toward me.
“You have no idea what you're involving yourself in.”
I took a breath.
“Actually, Chairman Hsu, that's why I'm here.”
And then I said the one sentence that changed the atmosphere completely.
“Someone submitted a patent assignment bearing my signature last night.”
The chairman stared.
I continued.