From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 507
Suddenly, the entire forum was ablaze with people calling for Rebecca to be banished from the tech world.
Anthea, oblivious to the online chaos, sat quietly at her desk, fiddling with her phone after completing her task. Since her phone
wasn't connected to the internet, all she could do was play a game of Tetris.
Her casual attitude didn't escape the notice of the three Pellonia contestants across the aisle. While everyone else was busy with
the competition, Anthea was playing on her phone?
So Luxphinia really had fallen this far.
No wonder their team was always dead last, year after year. How did someone like her even make it into the tech world?
Rebecca, catching sight of Anthea playing Tetris, felt a small wave of relief. Apparently, she wasn't the only one completely out of
her depth when it came to science—at least Anthea could take the bottom spot with her.
Soon, two hours had flown by.
Contestants from around the world stood behind their stations, waiting for the host to announce the results.
The host, a man from L Country, held a crisp white card in his hands. "This year's competition has brought in a lot of fresh faces.
Now, I'm pleased to announce the top three winners."
As his words hung in the air, the audience erupted in thunderous applause.
"In third place, from Pellonia-Dr. Charles!"
No one was surprised, least of all Charles himself, who gave the audience a polite bow.

"In second place, also from Pellonia-Dr. Barnaby!"
Again, the result was expected.
"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for: the first place winner of this year's Tech Summit Global is..."
The host deliberately drew out the announcement, letting the tension build.

Karl slowly rose from his seat, scanning the crowd and the cameras stationed throughout the auditorium. Having competed at
Tech Summit Global for over ten years, he knew full well that the proceedings were being broadcast live.
There was no doubt in his mind-first place had to be his. It always was. The top three had always belonged to him and the other
Pellonians. What could possibly go wrong this year?
The host glanced at Karl, an awkward look flickering across his face, but he pressed on. “And the first place winner, from
Luxphinia-Phoenix YC!"
Phoenix YC?
Applause exploded in the hall.
The entire audience was on their feet, clapping wildly. Mason and Eugene cheered so loudly that their palms turned red. Dr.
Varn's eyes grew misty.
He'd always known Anthea would come out on top. But seeing her victory with his own eyes, he couldn't help but be swept up in
emotion. It was a feeling only he could understand.
Anthea stood, bowing gracefully to the crowd. In this moment, all eyes were on her-she was the star of the day.
Meanwhile, Karl's expression shifted from anticipation to utter disbelief. He stood frozen, unsure whether to sit or remain
standing, trapped in a moment of excruciating

embarrassment.
First place hadn't gone to him. How could that be? He'd lost to someone from Luxphinia—how was that even possible?
Rebecca stared at Anthea, her face contorted with jealousy. That spotlight should have been hers. Where was the system when
she needed it?
Her fists clenched so tightly that her sharp nails dug into her palms, but she barely noticed the pain.
Next came the award ceremony.
When the presenter stepped onto the stage, Anthea was momentarily stunned.
Was that... Sherman?

He wore his usual old-fashioned,
781
high-collared suit, a rosary looped around his right wrist. There was quiet elegance to him, al
commanding presence that seemed to set him apart from everyone else. The tiny red birthmark at the corner of his eye only
added to his
enigmatic charm.
No matter where he was, Sherman always stood out in a crowd.
Three attendants followed him, each carrying a medal.
Sherman presented the awards in order: third place, then second, and finally, first.
He stopped in front of Anthea, lowering his head to pin the medal to her chest.
Anthea was slender, but in all the right ways.
If anyone had been paying close attention, they might have noticed Sherman's hands were trembling.
Once the medal was in place, he
gently drew her into a brief embrace, his lips so close they brushed her ear as he whispered, his breath
warm and soft, "Congratulations, Anthea."