Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1199

Harlene wiped her nose, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I’ve listened to this song online so many times, but hearing it live is something else. I don’t know why, but it just makes me want to cry. It feels like she’s telling a story that hits you right in the heart.”

Emmy felt her own eyes sting, the music stirring up a mess of emotions in her chest. “Her voice is so powerful,” she said quietly, her gaze honest and steady. “The feelings in this song are complicated, there’s a little despair, a little hope, and she brings it all out. That was an incredible performance.”

Harlene turned to look at her, surprised. “I thought you didn’t care much about Mercedes. Didn’t expect you to say something nice.”

Emmy smiled. “I just call it like I see it. She’s really talented, and nobody can argue with that.”

Harlene nodded, completely agreeing. “Exactly. I’ve never been into celebrities, but I’ve always liked Mercedes. She’s not just a great actress, she can actually sing. People always say she’s just lucky, but I know she must have worked so hard to get where she is now.”

The performance ended before they knew it. The last note lingered in the air. Mercedes stood, lifted her skirt, and gave the audience a deep, graceful bow. Instantly, applause thundered through the room, so loud it seemed endless.

The host walked on stage, smiling, and gestured for Mercedes to stay. “Mercedes, please wait a moment. That was amazing. Absolutely unforgettable.” The host held out the mic, turning to her with the question everyone wanted to ask. “I think we’re all wondering, why did you pick this movie theme song to open a tech-centered gala like this?”

Every field was in fierce competition. AI, quantum computing, biomedicine, new energy materials… Every nomination represented endless late nights and thousands of experiments. Award after award was handed out. Teams went up to accept their trophies, some with tears in their eyes, others brimming with confidence.

The drive for truth, the hunger to explore the unknown, lit up every face in the crowd. This was their time to shine.

Finally, it was time for the breakthrough award in brain-computer interface technology.