?Chapter 483:


    Her heart still pounded like a war drum. That final shot — sharp as lightning — hade out of nowhere. Ethan had turned her ambition into a trap and flipped the battle on its head. She never imagined someone could see through the game even deeper than she could.


    Considering she had only installed the game for Ethan just over a week ago, his godlike skills and extraordinary understanding of the game were astonishing. How on earth had he done it?


    Marisa’s gaze toward Ethan had changed.


    He was not the timid, soft-spoken kid she had imagined. Beneath that quiet exterior was an undeniable fire, a defiance. Like a young wolf standing tall for the first time, determined to show his teeth to the world.


    A small smile tugged at her lips. It surprised her — this flicker of admiration she felt for him.


    Across from her, Ethan removed his headphones too, meeting Marisa’s bright eyes with a radiant smile, like the warm sun. “Thanks for the game,” he said.


    Marisa’s cheeks heated before she could stop it. She couldn’t figure out why she would react like this.


    She drew a quiet breath, willing her heartbeat to settle, then got up and walked over to him. Without meeting his eyes, she fished a lollipop from her jacket pocket and held it out. “Here. Consider it your prize for taking the championship.”


    Ethan epted it instantly, almost too quickly, and watched as she turned her back with practiced indifference and sauntered back to her seat — like nothing had happened.


    But her clique? They were losing their minds.


    “Hold up. Did she just give him one of her lollipops? She guards those things like treasure — no one gets one! No one!”


    Stories live now on galnσ??????????o??


    “Yo, is Marisa actually falling for this dude?”


    “Chill. Maybe she’s just inviting him to join us, bing one of her followers.”


    Just then, the host strode onto the stage, his voice brimming with excitement. “And now, the champion of the first national Genius tournament — Ethan Watson!”


    Thunderous apuse and cheers erupted from every corner of the hall.


    Meanwhile, Chris’ phone buzzed. A new message lit up the screen.


    It was from Winters.


    Chris nced down, opened the app, and there it was. “I did it! I’m the champion!”


    Chris was slightly surprised, then a gentle smile spread across his face. He looked up at the stage where the young man, shy under the spotlight, was being celebrated by thousands.


    He was also surprised that his online friend “Winters” turned out to be his brother-inw.


    All those chats, the clever banter, the shared frustrations over training. It made sense now.


    So that sister Winters always talked about… that was Maia.


    Chris turned his head. Maia sat a few rows ahead, barely containing her joy. Her eyes sparkled with pride. Chris chuckled softly. No wonder they had hit it off so easily; good taste must run in the family. Without missing a beat, he sent a message to his assistant. “Have someone deliver the gift to the tournament site — for Ethan Watson.”


    On stage, the spotlight swept over the top three finalists. The crowd roared with renewed apuse, a tidal wave of energy washing across the hall.


    The host’s voice rose over the noise, trembling with excitement. “Let’s give it up one more time for our top three yers!” Ethan stood center-stage, nked by Marisa and Mnie. Photographers jostled for angles as shbulbs red like strobe lights. The historic moment was immortalized, frame by frame.


    Ethan stood stiffly, trying to appearposed as he bowed to the audience. Beside him, Marisa looked unfazed — hands in her pockets, the lollipop already between her lips.


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