Chapter 216

Chapter 216
Chapter 216
In that moment on stage, even the spotlights seemed to favor her.
Noreen practically glowed, drawing every pair of eyes in the room.
Everyone was watching her.
Bianca turned, catching Seth utterly transfixed by the scene. Her face drained of color.
Her hand, hanging at her side, slowly curled into a tight fist, her nails nearly digging into her palm.
For a split second, she felt like a fool.
Whatever Noreen was saying, Bianca didn’t catch a word.
She parted her lips, struggling to speak. “Seth, I’m not feeling well. Let’s go.”
Thankfully, Seth snapped out of it almost immediately, tearing his gaze away from Noreen.
“Alright.” He gently steadied her.
He led her out of the event hall.
Only after sinking into the car seat did Bianca’s nerves finally begin to unknot.
“Take a few days off. You need the rest,” Seth said, always looking out for her.
His concern made her feel a little better. “It’s nothing. I’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep.”
She couldn’t fall apart now.
And she absolutely refused to lose.
Noreen’s victory tonight was nothing but a fluke.
There’s no way Noreen’s luck would hold out forever.
Bianca forced herself to rally, determined to reclaim her place in the spotlight–and win back everyone’s admiration, Wade’s included.
Sure, Noreen had her moment tonight. Maybe even Seth was impressed by her.
But so what?
Seth’s heart was still with her.
And that was all that mattered.
The InnoCore launch was a smash hit–far beyond even Noreen’s wildest expectations.
It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that potential partners were lining up at the door. More than that, InnoCore’s dramatic debut sent ripples across the global tech scene. Al experts worldwide showered it with praise.
14:44
Chapter 216
They called it a game–changer for the future of artificial intelligence.
Analysts said it shattered the old industry notion that Al breakthroughs required endless investment and years of waiting. Western media even dubbed it “Al’s Sputnik moment.”
International reactions ranged from awe to outright shock.
It was a phenomenon–an innovation that rocked the world of technology.
Some even said it had shaken the foundations of global tech dominance…
Back home, every major news outlet was scrambling to cover the story.
Carman and Noreen had been running nonstop, jumping from one interview to the next–business journals, financial networks, you name it.
Their schedule was packed to the brim; there wasn’t even time to catch their breath.
Thankfully, Noreen had her ever–resourceful assistant, Sophia, who at least made sure she never
missed a meal.
“Cancel all my meetings next Wednesday,” Noreen said, sipping her soup while scrolling through her calendar.
Sophia looked up. “Personal plans?”
“Mhm.”
“Understood.” Sophia made a note.
Just then, her phone buzzed with a new email. She scanned it, then turned to Noreen. “The finance magazine just sent over a draft of the cover photo. They want your feedback before they go to print.”
Noreen glanced at the image and noticed it was labeled for the February issue.
“Why February?” she asked.
She distinctly remembered them saying it would be for March.
Sophia replied, “The magazine wants to release it while the story’s still hot.”
That made sense. Noreen had no objections. She picked her favorite shot and sent her comments
back.
Business magazines typically hit the stands a week early.
Jude hadn’t forgotten about the issue.
He’d slipped out early from the SkyMind celebration, still feeling guilty for leaving Bianca behind. He’d been messaging Bianca ever since, but she hadn’t replied.
Maybe she was still upset with him.
To make it up to her, he decided to buy the magazine the moment it released.
As soon as it went on sale, Jude placed a bulk order–ten thousand copies–then quickly posted a screenshot in the group chat and tagged Bianca.
14:44
Chapter 216 ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ.net
“Bianca! I bought your magazine feature! Ten thousand copies! How’s that for a friend?”
Before Bianca could reply, Healy chimed in.
“Why is Noreen on the cover?”
Chapter 217