Chapter 318

Orion’s foot swung out with force: “Beat it!”

“Aw, come on, didn’t even touch me! My bro’s losing his cool!”

Matthew, clutching his behind, grimaced and scampered off into the distance. Orion couldn’t help but show a look of resignation.

Thaddeus patted Orion on the shoulder. “Why’s that kid back in town? Oh, right, the big championship game’s happening this weekend at the city stadium, isn’t it?”

No wonder he had returned.

Shortly after, Lemira emerged from the restroom. Spotting the two men outside, she asked, “Where’s Matthew?”

Hearing Lemira mention Matthew made Orion’s eyelid twitch. “He’s got a dinner plan with some friends.”

“Oh, is that so? You know such impressive people, then why didn’t you mention it when he logged into your account?”

Facing Lemira’s inquiry felt like walking to the gallows for Orion. He tried to sound nonchalant: “Impressive? I wouldn’t say that.”

A bit of arrogance in his tone there. After all, Matthew was arguably the most promising contender for the national team, blessed with talent, a good family background, free from pressure, and fair treatment.

Locking eyes with Orion’s deep gaze, Lemira noted, “Well, you’re pretty good at gaming too.”

Thaddeus quickly changed the subject: “Hey Lemon, there’s this AI networking event tomorrow afternoon. Maple Group got an invite, you should come too. Just got the heads-up.”

“Sure, I’ll be there.”

Orion spoke up: “I can give you a ride home.”

“No need, I’ve already called an Uber. See you tomorrow!”

Orion stood still, watching Lemira get into her ride and leave. Thaddeus clicked his tongue: “Think Lemon’s onto something?”

Orion watched the departing car, his profile half-shrouded in the streetlight’s shadow, making his expression hard to read.

Back in her dorm, Lemira lay on her bed, her thoughts in turmoil over Matthew’s account. But then, many gamers share the same names; it might not even be his account. Perhaps she was just connecting dots that weren’t there.

Lemira didn’t sleep well that night.

The next day, she arrived early at the venue Thaddeus mentioned, carrying her laptop. After all, she was the technical lead for AI in her team. The conference room was nearly empty when she found a seat and opened her laptop to prepare her materials, still distracted by the account issue from the night before.

“Lemira, you’re the only one here? Where’s the rest of the Maple Group?” She looked up to see Evelina approaching.

“They haven’t arrived yet. But did you bring what I asked for?” Lemira inquired without changing her expression.

Evelina lowered her voice: “I’m still working on it. I’m here to get involved in this project to have a chance at accessing the data you want.”

“You better hurry, then. If I don’t get the data before the bidding, I’ll have to release that video clip I have,” Lemira warned.

Evelina’s face drained of color just as Alaric approached. Trying to deflect, Evelina said, “Oh, the big game is this weekend at the stadium, you going, Lemira? Alaric’s got a bunch of tickets!” Lemira saw Alaric and played along, “Of course, but I’ve already got a VIP seat reserved by the captain of the Reapers.”

“Seriously considering joining the Reapers?” Alaric’s face fell at the mention of his rival team.

“None of your business!”

Seeing the Maple Group team arriving, Lemira stood up and exited the conference room.

13:36

Chapter 318

Alaric, frustrated, followed: “Lemira, we need to talk!”

Evelina, about to leave, noticed Lemira’s laptop left open on the table, screen still glowing. She hesitated for a moment before sitting down at Lemira’s seat and began snapping photos of the files on the screen with her phone.

“What are you doing?”

Evelina looked up to see Alaric, her face turning ghostly pale.