I still hadn't said a word, and Rebecca was clearly getting twitchy.

She grabbed a coffee off a tray, took one flirty step closer—then fake-tripped.

Splash.

Hot coffee hit my white silk blouse, dead center. Brown stain, front and loud.

"Oh no!" she gasped, hand over her mouth, eyes practically glowing. "Didn't even see you there! That top's totally wrecked. Though it was kinda yellow already... must've been cheap, huh? Want me to pay for it?"

She reached into her crocodile clutch, flashing her diamond bracelet like it was part of the show.

Gavin looked way too proud of her little act.

He slung an arm around her. "Vera, why are you standing there blocking traffic?"

Then that signature smirk.

"Pay her? Rebecca, come on. Don't waste your money."

He pulled out a few $50s and flicked them at my face.

"That should cover, what, a hundred thrift store tops? Go wild. Maybe next time you'll show up in something that doesn't scream clearance bin. And hey—do us both a favor and stop name-dropping me."

He pointed at the cash on the ground like it was trash. "What? Just gonna stand there? Not enough? Oh right—guess broke girls like you don't bend anymore. Go on. Pick it up. Crawl for it."

The crowd buzzed—whispers, snickers, side-eyes.

"Who is she? Dressed like THAT?"

"Mr. Censori's ex. Yikes."

"She dumped him? Bet she's kicking herself."

Gavin was eating it up.

"In the end, it's about vision," he said, arms wide like he was on a TED Talk. "I gave you a little gift, you blew up, and now—look at you."

He motioned to the sharp suits and the massive summit logo behind him.

"This? This is the world you SHOULD'VE reached for. But no—you let your jealousy spiral. You had the winning hand, Vera. And you still lost."

I met his eyes, ice cold. "You done? Good. Move."

He froze.

I didn't wait. Just walked right past him, straight to the restroom.

He had no idea.

Back then, I funded his little pipe dream. Now? I was here to collect—with interest.

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...?"