Mara stood near the back of the rooftop ballroom while her brother, Ethan, introduced “Lattice” as a small sensor device paired with software that predicted machine failures before breakdowns. He called it a “listening system” for factories. Investors clapped, applauding the future.
A man in a crisp suit leaned close with a grin. “Still busy with your little hobby, while your brother is doing the real work?” he asked, loud enough for nearby laughter. Mara smiled as if it did not sting. Across the room, Sloane’s hand rested on Ethan’s arm, steady and possessive.
Ethan lifted the demo unit, and the room quieted. A green status light blinked, ready. Mara’s stomach tightened. It was nearly time. That light meant the system was ready to accept a valid key. Lattice’s core features would run only on her validation—and it was time to show them…