The Global Summit was a sea of flashing lights, humming servers, and the sharp scent of expensive espresso. Giant holographic screens displayed the live rankings, where the national flag sat comfortably in the fourth position as the preliminary rounds began.Gabriel stood in the wings of the main stage, straightening his silk tie. Beside him, Anna was draped in a sleek, silver jumpsuit, her hair pulled back in a severe, tech-genius ponytail. She was basking in the hushed whispers of the crowd.“Is that really Aris?” “The legendary hermit has finally surfaced.”“This is it, Anna,” Gabriel whispered, his eyes gleaming with a hunger for redemption. “After today, Daphne Franklin will be nothing but a footnote in our success story. We don't need her money when we have this code.”Anna smirked, adjusting her headset. “She’s probably crying in the VIP section right now, watching us take the throne she couldn't buy.”The announcer’s voice boomed through the arena. “And now, representing the
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