CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN - Cold Feet

"To small victories," Mason said, raising his glass. Claire clinked her glass against his. "And to facing the big battles together." As they enjoyed their meal, they talked about more than just the lawsuit. Claire shared her excitement about her latest consulting project, and Mason listened with genuine interest, asking questions and offering encouragement. "You know," Mason said as they were finishing dessert, "I've been thinking. Once this lawsuit is settled – and it will be settled – maybe it's time for some changes at Universe X." Claire raised an eyebrow. "What kind of changes?" Mason leaned forward, his eyes alight with excitement. "I've been so focused on growing the company, on being the biggest and the best, that I think I lost sight of why I started Universe X in the first place. I wanted to create technology that would make people's lives better, not just make money." Claire nodded encouragingly. "That sounds more like the Mason I fell in love with in Paris." "I want