?Chapter 485:


    “Oh my God, he’s even more gorgeous in person! Photos don’t do him justice!”


    “Tall, rich, insanely talented — and he looks like that? Somebody save me!”


    “Get real! Not a single socialite in Wront’s elite circle has ever caught his eye. He’s been single for years!”


    “Then what kind of woman could win him over? Just imagining being loved by a man like that makes my knees weak…”


    The women in the audience screamed in waves, unable to contain themselves. Meanwhile, the men craned their necks, squinting through the lights for a closer look at Wront’s most talked-about figure — the infamous pride of the Cooper family.


    In the crowd, Chris sat unmoved. His eyes narrowed, his jaw tight. A cold scoff slipped from his lips.


    So even he hade. udius Cooper — the untouchable heir making an appearance at a gaming tournament? That was no casual detour.


    From what Chris knew of the man, everything udius did was calcted. His gaze shifted toward Maia, suspicion darkening his brow. There had to be more to this.


    Beside him, Maia remained unusually quiet. Her arms were crossed, eyes locked on udius with a contemtive stillness.


    Ark Technology, the gaming subsidiary under Cooper Group, had organized this entire event. udius, as heir, had every reason to be involved — but showing up in person to present the trophy? No, this was not just for publicity. This was a strategy. What was he ying at?


    Up on stage, the host bowed with respectful deference, cing the championship trophy carefully in udius’ hands. The spotlight found him instantly. In the crowd, Mnie’s heart plummeted into her stomach. udius? Here? Her blood ran cold. This was a disaster. If news spread within Cooper Group that she only managed to get third ce in the gaming tournament, she would surely be mocked by those annoying people. If her father found out — she would be humiliated,ughed at, scolded, and torn apart.


    She ducked her head instinctively, heart racing. “Please don’t see me. Please, please don’t see me!”


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    udius’ eyes swept the finalists. They lingered — briefly on Mnie.


    His brows arched slightly, and a quiet smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. She was trying to disappear. That only made her more obvious.


    udius stifled augh, choosing not to acknowledge her. Without missing a beat, he turned to Ethan and stepped forward, holding the trophy with effortless grace.


    Standing close now, udius offered the award with aposed expression, but his voice held that undeniable air ofmand. “Ethan, congrattions,” he said evenly. “Your reflexes, strategy, and grasp of the game — impable work.”


    A faint smile touched his lips. “Ark Technology would like to sign you. We’ll give you every tool to be a future e-sports star. Are you interested?”


    This was it — the golden ticket every gamer dreamed of. Ark Technology stood at the top of the national e-sportsdder. A contract meant a million-dor sry, international exposure, and a future most could only imagine.


    Backstage, udius had already reviewed Ethan’s file. No rich family, no famous lineage. Just raw ability, determination, and a clean reputation. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. udius knew it. He was confident that Ethan would say yes without any hesitation.


    But…


    “I’m sorry.”


    The words dropped like a stone in a still pond. Ethan’s voice was quiet but steady. He bit his lower lip, then met udius’ gaze without flinching. “I can’t decide this on my own,” he said inly. “I need my sister’s approval first.”


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