16. CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE – RELATED PARTIES

The convertible notes payable, related party were issued as part of consideration for the acquisition of Forever 8. The debt discount was calculated based on the fair value of the instrument as of October 1, 2022. On September 9, 2025, the Company recognized a capital contribution in additional paid-in capital of $22,789,599 related to the forgiveness of debt and accrued interest by related parties, offset by the issuance of 800,000 shares of common stock with a fair value of $1,168,000. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, there was no outstanding principal or unamortized debt discount under the convertible notes payable – related parties.

For the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company recognized no interest expense under convertible notes payable – related parties. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, interest expense under convertible notes payable – related parties was $903,962, of which $250,000 was related to amortization of the debt discount.