The pursuit of dreams is always chancy. I know this from personal experience too.
I'm sorry that there are people in this world who are more interested in their own
personal profit and satisfying their own egos than in really making a contribution.
There are thieves and robbers everywhere and intellectual property is no exception -
in fact in these times, it is amongst the most valuable property - which makes it
the most tempting target for those who are devoid of their own ideas.
Nevertheless, each such experience should be a learning situation for us. We must
pick up the pieces and move on to the next dream. Whatever life has in store for
you Petra, I'm sure it will be wonderful - for as Don says, you are an amazing lady.