Chapter 229

The phrases were things. Share a textus ad Metro Heide, but Cook Nth may up. Shermaine was hauled heart straight to the waiting thing. These chosen designs will destine us. Mentirted to the Vi was predestined day.

The forming Shenmale will write, standing at the Dedura Tach Conference. This day, dry to get him a test.

That was when Bradley remembered something. Organizers from the International Tech Forum had approvingly reached out, hoping Joshua could serve as a band with witlascarim and present an award at the Wallingtonlab Tech Conference.

Back then, Bradley had declined on Joshua’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-tier experts. That changed everything.

Stunned, Bradley had called the organizers back and told them Joshua was available after all. The organizers were overjoyed and locked him in right away.

John was, after all, a global powerhouse in renewable energy and AI. His recent breakthroughs had shaken the entire industry, and his net worth had landed him in the global top ten at just thirty-one.

Once Shermaine and Joshua parted ways, Harold led her backstage.

The lounge was expansive and luxurious. Each contestant had a private armchair, and glass tables were laid out with drinks and fresh fruit.

When Shermaine walked in, about ten people were already there.

With her arrival, that made eleven. Nine more were still to come.

Shermaine was a newly promoted platinum-level expert, having jumped two ranks by completing two SSS-level missions back-to-back, an achievement that made her stand out immediately.

A massive screen in the lounge was broadcasting the red carpet, so most of the room already knew Boa was a 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 a slight smile and took her seat.

Coincidentally, Kylie was seated directly to her left.

“Didn’t expect you to be Boa,” Kylie said, glancing 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, 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 AI system outperformed hers, in her mind, was that it had been built by a Wallingtonian company, handpicked for the event.

No one could outdo her when it came to AI.

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?”

Normally, Shermaine didn’t waste time judging people. But since this was Kylie, she didn’t bother sugarcoating it. “You’re not that impressive.”

Kylie scoffed. “You’re seriously full of yourself.”

Shermaine smiled, unfazed.

She was just stating a fact.

If anyone in the room was radiating arrogance, it was Kylie.

They were speaking in Ustranasion, the international working language 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.