Chapter 128
“There’s more writing on it!” Daph read aloud, squinting. “Something about youth… and the rest of your days…”
The words on the old wish plaque had faded, worn down by years of wind and rain. Daph struggled to make out what was left.
Selene looked up at her. “Take it down. I’ll throw it away.”
Daph gave the string a gentle tug, and the plaque came off in her hand.
Selene took it from her, walked over to the trash bin, and tossed it in without a second glance.
She remembered being eighteen, when Harrison had brought her to Serenity Church. He’d written his wish on that very plaque.
May the sorrows of Selene’s youth be behind her. May the rest of her days be filled with joy and peace.
He had pitied her once, and had promised to treat her well.
But everything had changed since then.
Once, the love she gave was real–her devotion, her faithfulness, her willingness to give everything without regret. All of it had been true.
And now, her farewell was real, too. She was reclaiming her heart, this time for good. There would be no turning back.
Harrison’s hand clenched, then slowly released. If only that one thing hadn’t happened…
He didn’t want to think about it. He wondered, if he’d given Selene even a little love back then, would it all have turned out differently?
He didn’t look back. Instead, he strode out of the courtyard, his young son by his side, leaving it all behind.
*
Two days later, the internet was abuzz. Eager fans were glued to the ALI Math Competition’s official Twitter, refreshing the page nonstop.
At exactly 10 a.m., the final rankings of the ALI Math Competition would be announced.
10:17
Chapter 128
10:00 a.m.
The official ALI Group account posted the list.
First place in the finals: Selene.
Selene’s name shot straight to the top of the trending topics.
Riding the wave of her popularity, ALI Group announced that the top twenty finalists would advance to the Challenge Round, where they would compete for the gold, silver, and bronze medals.
This Challenge Round would be streamed live to the entire web, with a special host from the National Broadcast Network anchoring the event.
Vaughn Enterprises:
Harrison entered the conference room in a sharp, custom–tailored suit, every line immaculate. He walked with the confident air of a born leader. Around the polished table, every executive and board member turned their attention to him the moment he arrived.
On the big screen at the end of the room, several CEOs from overseas investment firms were already waiting, their faces filling the screen.
When they saw Harrison through the camera, they greeted him with enthusiastic
nods and waves.
Secretary Burnett approached, quietly placing a stack of meeting documents to Harrison’s left.
She bent down and spoke in a low voice, “The board and several of the CEOs have all requested to watch the live broadcast of the ALI Math Competition Challenge Round.”
She hesitated, then continued, “All the contestants in this round are top minds, both from here and abroad. While most of us might not follow the technical details, the board wants to observe these finalists during the broadcast.”
Even before she finished, a frown was already forming between Harrison’s brows.
A board meeting–and they want to watch a live stream? Do any of these old men actually do their jobs?/
Secretary Burnett, sensing his impatience, quickly added, “The board is also considering selecting our next CTO directly from the ALI Group Challenge Round
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finalists.”
Harrison pressed his lips into a thin, disapproving line. “That’s far too hasty.”
A board member seated beside him overheard and spoke up, “Anyone who’s made it into ALI Math’s top twenty is a once–in–a–generation talent. Right now, these finalists are the hottest prospects in the field, and ALI Group has given them so much exposure–their every move will be watched going forward!”
He leaned in, voice earnest. “Vaughn Enterprises doesn’t just need a capable Chief Technology Officer. The board wants someone whose very presence commands attention and respect throughout the entire industry.”
