Petty Gifts, Big Payback

Thirty minutes later, in the press room next to the summit's main stage—

Gavin strutted in, now dressed to impress and oozing fake confidence.

Behind him, a giant LED screen lit up: [NovaTech × Helix Innovations: Partner Announcement & Acquisition Talks].

The room buzzed with flashing cameras and VIPs packed shoulder to shoulder.

"Ladies and gentlemen, members of the press!" Gavin's voice boomed, all swagger. "Today's a landmark moment—for me, for NovaTech! We're locking in a major partnership with none other than Helix Innovations! Full acquisition, full backing, and yep—we're going public!"

His pitch was all flash—because this time, he'd hitched himself to real muscle.

The room broke into applause.

Rebecca, playing the perfect CEO's secretary, sat front and center—back straight, chin up, basking like she owned the win.

I'd scrubbed off the coffee, slipped into a sharp black suit, and grabbed a seat in a low-key corner.

Gavin kept rolling, now hyping up NovaTech's crown jewel—Cosmos Core.

"Our Cosmos Core algorithm? Rock-solid stability, future-facing design. Nothing else comes close. That's why Helix picked us!"

He was practically glowing.

I spotted the architecture diagram on the screen and couldn't help a cold smile.

Three years later, and he's still riding my code. Pathetic.

Just as Gavin hit his big crescendo, gearing up to bring out Helix's rep, the doors flew open.

In walked Adrian Arundell—cool, composed, and every inch the power player. CEO of Helix Innovations. My right hand.

Gavin's smile twitched, then morphed into over-the-top charm as he rushed up. "Mr. Arundell! Welcome! Your speech is next!"

Adrian gave a quick handshake but didn't budge toward the guest seats.

"No need," he said, calm and cool. "Before we sign anything, there's someone you all need to meet."

He paused. Every eye in the room locked on him.

"She's the one who made the final call on today's deal. Founder and Chair of Helix's Board. She's here."

A wave of curiosity rolled through the room as heads turned, scanning for the mysterious queen boss of Helix.

Gavin and Rebecca looked like they couldn't decide whether to hope or panic.

Then Adrian moved—confident, straight toward me.

All eyes followed.

I stood up slowly.

Adrian gave a subtle bow, voice clear as glass. "Glad you could make it, Ms. Valencia."

"Vera...?"