<b>Chapter </b><b>229 </b>
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That was when Bradley rerendered something Organisers from the International Tech Form had provingly respihed out, hoping Joshua could serve axsi band wiscarim and present award at the Wallingtob Tech Conference
wack then, Bradley had refined on leshus’s behalf With Joshua’s packed schedule, he figured there was no point even asking.
What he hadn’t expected was for Shermaine to show up not just as a participant, but as one of the top–fier experts. That changed everything.
Stenned, Bradley had called the organizers back and told them Joshua was avable after all. The organizers were overjoyed and locked him in right
gway
John was, after all, a global powerhouse in renewable energy and Al. His recent breakthroughs had shaken the entire industry, and his worth had
top </b>ten at just thirty–one.
Once Shermaine and Joshus parted ways, Harold led her backstage.
The lounge was expansive <b>and </b>luxurious. Each contestant had a private armchair, and ss tables wereid out with drinks and fresh fruit.
When Shermaine walked in, about ten people were already there.
With her <b>arrival</b>, <b>that </b>made <b>eleven</b>. Nine more were still toe.
Shermaine was a newly promoted tinum–level expert, having jumped two ranks bypleting two SSS–level missions back–to–back, an achievement that made her stand out immediately.
A massive screen <b>in </b>the lounge was broadcasting the red carpet, so most of the room already knew Boa was <b>a </b>woman, just like Kylie.
The experts varied in age, some well into their forties, others barely out of college. But regardless of age, they had all taken notice.
After a few polite greetings, Shermaine gave <b>a </b>slight smile and took her seat.
Coincidentally, Kylie was seated directly to her left.
“Didn’t expect you to be Boa,” Kylie said<b>, </b>ncing over with a smirk.
Shermaine casually reached for a bottle of water and unscrewed the cap. “Yeah,” she replied, “funny how things work out.”
She hadn’t expected Kylie to be Dolcie, either.
Dolcie was the name that had followed her through every mission she’d taken, the constant shadow. Who would’ve thought she’d suddenly reappear as some long–lost cousin? A cousin with questionable motives<b>, </b>especially when it came to Shermaine’s man. The whole thing was irritating beyond belief,
“I’m looking forward to seeing how you do in the challenge,” Kylie said, voice cool but loaded.
Truth was, she didn’t take Shermaine seriously. She believed she could’ve handled those two SSS missions herself. The only reason Shermaine’s Al system outperformed hers, in her mind, was that it had been built by a Wallingtonianpany, handpicked <i>for </i>the event.
No one could outdo her when it came to Al.
Shermaine took a slow sip of water and said calmly, “Looking forward to watching me wipe the floor with you?”
Kylie’s eyes narrowed. “What makes you so sure you’ll beat me?”
18:58 Tue 17 Jun
Normally, Shermaine didn’t waste time judging people. But since this was Kylie, she didn’t bother sugarcoating it. “You’re not that impressive<i>.</i><i>” </i>
kyle scoffed. “You’re seriously full of yourself.”
Shermaine <b>smiled</b><b>, </b>unfazed.
She was just stating a fact.
<b>If </b>anyone in the room was radiating arrogance, it was Kylie.
They were speaking in Ustranasion, the international workingnguage of the conference, so everyone around them understood every word. The tension was thick
It was clear that if there was a team round, these two wouldn’t be sharing a bench.