Watch Me

December 2nd, 2023. It was Michael's anticipated day as he was about to hear from Catherine about the technology Engineer Benico was testing.

He looked at his phone and saw her message.

[Meet me in my condo at five o'clock in the afternoon. I have important things to say.]

Reading that, Michael frowned slightly. Even though it was just a message, he could hear her talking in a nonchalant, ice-cold princess manner. Did something happen? Well, nevertheless, he'll find out soon.

As usual, Michael left the school at three o'clock in the afternoon and booked a Grab service to Catherine's condo at Rockwell.

Upon arriving, Michael greeted the security and made his way up to Catherine's condo. The familiar luxury of the place didn't ease the tight knot of tension in his stomach. He knocked on the door, his heart rate picking up.

Catherine opened the door, her expression unreadable. "Come in, Michael," she said, stepping aside to let him enter. Her tone was formal, lacking the warmth he had grown accustomed to in their previous interactions.

As Michael walked in, he scanned the room. It was just Catherine. He sat down on the plush sofa, waiting for Catherine to speak.

Catherine took a deep breath before beginning, "Michael, I spoke with my mother regarding your solar panel technology. Unfortunately, we received a report from Engineer Benico and Solar Dynamics Corporation."

She paused, choosing her words carefully. "They claim that the initial tests were incorrect. According to their report, your solar panel doesn't achieve the efficiency levels you claimed. They're suggesting it's a prototype with errors, not the revolutionary product we thought."

Michael's heart sank. This wasn't the news he was expecting. He knew his technology worked; the tests he conducted himself were conclusive. Suspicion crept into his mind. Was this a deliberate attempt by Solar Dynamics to discredit his invention?

"What do you mean? We tested it in front of him and he said the technology was impressive. You heard him say that right?" 

"Yeah I did, but a mistake is a mistake, and they wrote a technical report where you can read all the errors. Check it yourself," Catherine said, handing him the document. 

Michael, frowning, took the technical report from Catherine. He unfolded the papers, his eyes quickly scanning through the contents. The report was filled with technical jargon, graphs, and data that would overwhelm anyone not well-versed in solar panel technology.

The report began by questioning the materials used in Michael's solar panel. It suggested that the combination of perovskite and graphene, while theoretically efficient, was impractical for long-term use due to stability issues. The report cited numerous studies on the degradation of perovskite in varying environmental conditions, casting doubt on the durability of Michael's design.

Next, the report addressed the efficiency claims. It presented a series of graphs contrasting Michael's claimed efficiency rates with their own test results, which showed significantly lower performance. The discrepancy was attributed to 'potential errors in initial test conditions' and 'measurement inaccuracies'.

The most damning part of the report was the section on the manufacturing process. It speculated that the methods used to produce the panels were not scalable or economically viable. It pointed out the lack of details on the manufacturing process in Michael's presentation, suggesting that the production of the panels on a commercial scale was unfeasible.

Finally, the report concluded that while Michael's design was innovative, it was ultimately flawed and not ready for practical application. The tone of the report was condescending, implying that the invention was a well-intentioned but amateurish attempt at solar technology.

Michael felt a mix of anger and frustration as he read through the report. To an untrained eye, the report seemed thorough and convincing, expertly crafted to cast doubt on every aspect of his invention. But Michael knew his technology inside out. 

"This is BS," Michael cursed. "This is a lie." 

"Michael…you are a talented and smart guy, but I'd rather believe those with expertise than a student. It's nothing personal," Catherine said, crossing her arms.

Michael clenched his fists, trying to maintain his composure. "I understand your position, Catherine. But I know what I've created. This isn't about being a student or an expert. It's about the truth of my invention."

Catherine sighed, "I'm sorry, Michael. My mother and I have to consider the risks involved. This report raises too many questions. Without concrete evidence to counter these claims, we can't proceed with any form of investment or endorsement."

"Wait…how come your mother is involved with this?" Michael asked, wondering why she kept mentioning her. 

"My mother is an investor in Solar Dynamics Corporation," Catherine revealed. "She holds a significant share in the company. That's part of the reason why we took Engineer Benico's report seriously."

Michael's mind raced as he processed this new information. The pieces began to fit together in his head, forming a picture he didn't want to see. "So, your mother and Solar Dynamics... they could be working together to discredit my invention?"

"Michael, how can you even suggest that?" she exclaimed, her tone edged with anger. "You think my mother and Solar Dynamics would conspire against a college student? That's absurd."

Michael stood his ground, despite Catherine's rising temper. "It's not about being just a student, Catherine. It's about a technology that could disrupt the entire industry. And your mother has a significant stake in one of the biggest players in that industry."

Catherine shook her head, her irritation apparent. "You're letting your imagination run wild. Yes, my mother is an investor in Solar Dynamics, but that doesn't mean she's part of some conspiracy to bring you down. The report speaks for itself."

Michael felt a pang of disappointment at her reaction but remained focused. "The report can say anything it wants, but I know the truth about my technology. It's not just some school project. It's real, and it works."

Catherine's expression remained stern. "Believe what you want, Michael. But without concrete evidence to refute the technical report, there's nothing I or my mother can do. 

"Okay…if my solar panel is so useless and unfeasible, then where is it? Did they bring it back?" Michael said, his tone starting to get 

irate.

Catherine hesitated for a moment before replying, "No, they didn't bring it back. I didn't receive anything from Solar Dynamics aside from the technical report. I assume they might have discarded it, considering it worthless based on their findings."

Michael's frustration grew. "Discarded it? Just like that? Without even giving me a chance to examine their claims or retrieve my own work? This doesn't add up, Catherine."

"I don't control what Solar Dynamics does with the prototypes they test," Catherine said defensively. "I'm sorry, Michael, but there's nothing more I can do."

Michael stood up, his disappointment evident. "I see. Well, thank you for your time, Catherine. 

"Wait…" Catherine stopped him in his tracks. "You are forgetting something." 

"What?" 

"We have a session for today, right? Don't tell me you are going to walk out from here and forget about the responsibilities that you have agreed to."

Michael took a deep breath, calming himself before turning back to face Catherine. "Right, the tutoring session. I almost forgot. Let's do it,"

They moved to the table where Catherine had set up her study materials. As they settled down, Michael couldn't help but notice the change in the atmosphere. The warmth and camaraderie that had previously marked their sessions seemed to have evaporated.

He looked at Catherine and said softly, "You've changed, Catherine. This isn't the collaboration I thought we were building."

"Like I said, it's not personal…" Catherine reiterated.

"Well…if I'm not going to get the money I need to start my own company, then I'll get it by myself." 

"Are you starting a company even with the technical report saying it won't be commercially viable?"

Michael scoffed softly. "Watch me."