Gemotions

The pitch went swimmingly. She'd nailed it. The investors’ faces were alight with enthusiasm. The startup, "Veridian Solutions," was poised to revolutionize sustainable energy. She was on top of the world.

One of the investors raised his hand. "This is fantastic, Ms. Jones," he said. "However, I must ask, have you had a chance to look at the research conducted by Dr. Eleanor Vance?"

A tremor ran through her. She had not. He pulled up a presentation, one that mirrored her own in every detail. She felt the blood drain from her face.

He looked at her expectantly. She found her voice, barely a whisper. "No, sir. I have not."