Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1202

Isabel’s team stared up at the stage, jaws slack, completely floored. They looked like they were about to explode. None of them could wrap their heads around it. How could someone like Emmy, who they saw as a total fraud, be up there giving a speech at an event like this?

In the front row, Mercedes, who’d just finished her performance, sat wrapped up in a blanket. She narrowed her eyes at the woman on stage, surprise flickering across her face. “I never expected… she’d be this impressive,” she murmured. Mercedes always thought Emmy only knew the basics of AI and that even getting a nomination was some kind of miracle. Yet here she was, not just winning an award, but speaking for the Harvard team, and actually doing a great job. That kind of confidence was real. Mercedes had to admit, there was a lot more to Emmy than she’d realized.

A few rows away, hidden in the shadows, Abis watched Emmy with a gaze that was both intense and a little unnerving. His eyes followed her every move, like she was something rare and precious. There was an odd obsession in the way he looked at her, mixed with something he kept tightly under control.

Back in the center section, James watched Emmy shine on stage, his pride obvious in the soft curve of his smile and the warmth in his eyes. It didn’t matter how high she climbed or how many people cheered for her. To him, she deserved every bit of it. She was always meant to be this brilliant.

When Emmy finished her speech and bowed, James was the first to start clapping, not holding back at all. His eyes were full of love and tenderness that seemed endless.

The awards wrapped up, and the team started to step offstage. Emmy held the trophy, feeling the heavy weight of it in her hands. With her high heels and her fitted suit, balancing the trophy wasn't easy. John saw she could use a hand, so he took the trophy from her and offered his arm to help her down the steps. “Emmy, go take a break at your seat. We’ll handle the registration and put the trophy away. You might need to go up again later, so stay put, okay?”

Emmy nodded, grateful. “Thanks. You guys are the best.” She made her way down the aisle alone.

As she walked past Isabel’s team again, Laura—still fuming—just couldn’t let it go. She stuck her leg out into the aisle, shooting Emmy a nasty look. “Feeling smug now? It’s hilarious. You only got that award by piggybacking on someone else, and now you think you’re a star? Just wait until Ms. Summer wins the prosthetics award. Then you’ll see what real talent is. You’ll still end up in second place—”

Before Laura could finish, a sudden, sharp scream ripped from her throat. She bolted upright, clutching her foot, her face twisted in pain. Emmy stood there, cool and unbothered, her stiletto heel planted squarely on Laura’s foot. She even gave it a little twist.

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