The Patent Queen's Gambit

In the revolving restaurant at the city's summit, crystal chandeliers cast dazzling light, illuminating every guest's face with striking clarity. I wore a tailored champagne-colored evening gown, yet an unshakable chill lingered at my fingertips. Dylan Collins held my hand firmly, facing the crowd of reporters raising their cameras. His voice rang out loud and clear: "I announce that Lucy Lynn is my one and only fiancee." Camera flashes flooded like a tide, shutters clicking relentlessly, stinging my eyes painfully. I gazed at the ambitious man beside me. He was the CEO of D & L Technology, a rising star in the eyes of many, but only I knew that every core patent certificate of this company bore my name. As the clock struck midnight, its chimes rang precisely on time. Just as the melodious tune began, Dylan Collins unhesitatingly released my hand, as if that tight grasp had been nothing more than a fleeting performance. Immediately, a dazzling figure in red swept through the crowd, her high heels clicking with deliberate grace. Ruby Jones wore a strapless, fiery red gown, her makeup impeccable. In her hand, she clutched the wedding invitation I had painstakingly designed over two weeks. "Rip—" The crisp sound of tearing pierced the melodious music, jarringly sharp, instantly drawing every eye in the room. Ruby Jones casually tossed the torn invitation into the air; paper fragments fluttered everywhere. She smiled, her eyes curved like crescent moons, but her gaze was filled with blatant provocation: "Congratulations, Mr. Collins, on losing the bet and regaining your freedom!" I turned to look at Dylan Collins, who was nonchalantly adjusting the buttons on his cuffs, his tone as indifferent as if he were discussing the weather: "Lucy Lynn, the wedding date is postponed by a month. Consider it a punishment for your attitude tonight." I couldn't help but smile, meeting his eyes directly, asking word by word: "Dylan Collins, do you choose her, or do you choose to authorize all the patents in my hands?" "If you dare step out that door today, D & L Technology will be an empty shell by tomorrow." Dylan Collins' brow immediately furrowed, impatience etched across his face: "Lucy Lynn, have you made your point yet?" "Do you really think I'm dependent on your patents? Don't overestimate yourself." Speaking, he casually slid his arm around Ruby Jones's waist. Ruby Jones proudly tilted her chin at me, the massive diamond ring on her finger gleaming painfully in the light. "Dylan Collins, are you truly certain this is the choice you want to make?" I asked again, my voice calm and without a trace of emotion. He didn't look back, leaving behind only two cold words: "Suit yourself." The banquet hall doors slowly closed behind them, shutting out all the noise and flashing lights. I stood there alone, like a clown abandoned by the whole world, the whispers around me stabbing at my heart like needles. Assistant Ben hurried over, took off his suit jacket to wrap around me, shielding me from the hostile cameras with his body. "Ms. Lucy, let's go."