Chapter 260
Yet Talia’s slap never landed. Audrey had caught het wrist in a firm grip.
Audrey shot back with a look that could cut glass. “What about you? Where’d you get the parve to steal from us
She wasn’t as tallas Talla, but there was nothing weak about her presence. She stared Talla down, and it clearly rattled her.
Talia refused to back down. “The virus you implanted just displays the result your wanted. That doesn’t prove we copied anything from Flear Tech Group She tried to yank her hand back, but Audrey’s grip was unrelenting
Audrey glanced at the other companies and said, “What I actuated just now was a trigger. Only devices that were previously connected to my laptop will show the preloaded message.
“If anyone here is confident they r
y never touched my laptop, feel free to i
” it out.”
People from the other companies exchanged uneasy looks. They hadn’t touched HexiTech Group’s laptop, but they were still worried Audrey’s virus might somehow lock their own devices, making them hesitant to try.
One of the women from the organizers got to her feet and passed her laptop to Audrey, “Go ahead, use min
“Thank you.” Audrey gave her a polite nod before connecting the laptop to the projector and running the sequence again.
When the countdown ended this time, words appeared on the screen again, but now it was “You’re the best” scrolling over and over. The room was silent for a few seconds before everyone started clapping
Others started stepping up, handing Audrey their backup laptops. “Try mine too” It was the perfect chance to prove their companies‘ innocence in front of the organizers and to show they stood on the side of justice.
One after another, Audrey tested three more laptops. All displayed the same message: [You’re the best]
The other companies started talking among themselves. One said, “This isn’t the first time StellarCore has done this. Last time, they at least bothered to tweak some parts. Now? They didn’t even bother changing anything. Just flat–out copied it.”
The organizers followed the exhibition rules and officially revoked Stella Core’s right to participate.
Talia’s face went pale in an instant. She protested, unwilling to accept it. “This doesn’t prove we plagiarized.”
Audrey replied coolly, “I’ll be filing a lawsuit. I’ve already secured all the data on your laptop. The court will bring in experts to determine whether or not it’s plagiarism. Even if they can’t confirm that, it still counts as malicious competition, don’t you think?”
Talia shot Audrey a murderous glare. If looks could kill, she would’ve to her to places right then and there.
was so close… just one step away, and now it’s ruined. I put almost everything I had into this. How am I supposed to explain this to Grandpa? Talia wondered anxiously.
Still clinging to hope, she tried once more. “Audrey, your laptop crashed and you couldn’t present, so you’re trying to take me down too? If both lose, what good does that do?”
Audrey gave a slight smile and turned to the event organizers. “It’s our turn to present now, isn’t it?”
The host nodded in response and gestured for her to go ahead.
Talia stood frozen behind the podium, forgetting to step down. She stared in disbelief as Audrey walked straight over to James. The two of them had been at each other’s throats just minutes ago, but now, it was like none of that had happened.
He handed Audrey the laptop with both hands and then gave her a reassuring pat on the arm. His expression was full of approval and quiet praise
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09:01 Fri, 13 Jun
Chapter 260
“What’s going on? Was that whole argument just for show? Were they putting on an act for me? Talia thought, stunned.
A staff member guided her off the stage as Audrey stepped up, connected her laptop to the big screen, and began the presentation.
She began, “FlexiTech Group’s latest smart app is all about bringing real companionship into people’s lives through Al
“These days, with everyone so busy and work piling up, it’s tough for young people to always look after their elderly or sick family
“Our sohware pulls up the patient’s medical history in real time, so if there’s ever an emergency, first responders know exactly how to treat them.
“Not only that, but we’ve also included location tracking, messaging, and navigation features. It’s practical, easy to use, and covers everything you need. It’s honestly a game–changer for Alzheimer’s patients.”
When the presentation ended, the hall erupted into applause once again.
Talia shot to her feet, shouting, “This isn’t the presentation StellarCore had prepared
Audrey looked over at her with a calm smile. “And how would you know that?”
As Tallafell silent, Audrey went on with a glint in her eye. “Because you’ve seen the version we prepared earlier, so you’re certain this isn’t it, right?” Even though today’s demo content was kept secret, there were surveillance cameras in the venue. Footage that didn’t show the software itself could still be used as evidence in court.
Talia regretted blurting it out, but what burned even more was knowing that Audrey had just outmaneuvered her.
Talia pondered, ‘So she’d been suspicious of Lucia this whole time? That’s why she baited me into this mess, while the real plan was for them to have another project lined up to guarantee a spot in the top live today!
The presentations finally wrapped up. FlexiTech Group’s project landed in fifth place, and two of their engineers threw their arms around Audrey. bursting with excitement.
Those who didn’t make the cut began filing out. The five selected teams stayed behind for a short follow–up meeting
Outside, Keith had been waiting. The moment he heard the buzz about StellarCore copying FlexiTech Group’s project, he rushed up and yanked Tala aside. “What’s going on? Did you actually plagiarize Audrey’s work?”
Talia was livid. “Audrey set me up!” She immediately pulled out her phone and called Jocelyn, giving her a quick rundown of everything that had happened.
Meanwhile, Jocelyn had been keeping an eye on Lucia. As soon as the call ended, she grabbed Lucia and brought her over,
Talia said coldly, “Audrey knows you stole her work. She’s not going to let this go
Lucia’s legs buckled and she collapsed into a nearby chair,
Keith looked at her with icy disbelief. His voice was sharp. “How could you steal from Audrey? Are you out of your mind?”
Lucia was completely thrown off. “I… Ms. Price has more experience. She has been in this field longer than Audrey. I just thought maybe Audrey could merge into Ms. Price’s company… get some mentorship
Talia libed her head slightly and narrowed her eyes. “Audrey is threatening to sue me. You’re an accomplice. So, either you go down with me, or you do exactly as say
Keith immediately objected. “Absolutely not. You were wrong to have someone steal Audrey’s work in the first place. I talk to Yann and see if Audrey is willing to drop the lawsuit. But you need to give her a proper apology”
Just as he was about to make the call, Tala snatched the phone out of his hand and shot Jocelyn a pointed look
Chapter 260
Jocelyn immediately stepped in, whispering to Lucia how to explain herself later.
Talia turned to Keith and said, “Audrey humiliated me in front of all these executives and industry peers. There’s no way I’m letting this go
“Keith, you can only back one of us. Either me or Audrey. She’s got Yann behind her. If you won’t help me, then you might as will come visit me in prison.”
The words Keith had meant to say caught in his throat. He swallowed hard and took the phone back from Talia’s hand.
He sighed inwardly, “I can’t let
‘t let Talia end up in jail. I have to, I’ll swallow my pride and beg Audrey. She’s not heartless. She’ll at least give me that much.
“Talia made a mistake, sure. But if she just apologizes and pays compensation, it won’t escalate to a full–blown lawsuit Audrey probably said all that out of anger, just trying to scare her.
Keith had barely formed the words in his mind when the remaining five companies stepped out of the venue alongside the event organizers.
Talia stepped in front of them, blocking their path, and raised her voice to say, “Audrey, I didn’t steal your materials. This whole thing was a setup You planned it from the start!
“You had Mrs. Lucia Winifred plug a virus–infected USB into my laptop to plant malware. That’s unfair competition. You’re the one who should be disqualified!”
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