The Thorne Heiress Unveiling Shadow novel Chapter 31

The day of the Blackwood Innovation Prize finals arrived with the kind of electric tension usually reserved for a major sporting event. The massive, glass-walled auditorium was already buzzing with activity, with tech crews setting up cameras and student spectators vying for the best seats.

Evelyn and Chloe were walking across the sun-drenched campus quad towards the venue, Chloe chattering nervously and clutching a tablet to her chest.

"I reread the competition rules three times last night," Chloe said, her words tumbling out in a rush. "The final challenge is always a live build from scratch, no outside resources allowed except the approved libraries. Can you believe it? Three hours to build a functional data encryption model. It's insane. I'm so nervous I think my stomach is going to climb out of my throat."

Evelyn, looking calm and composed in a simple white blouse and black trousers, gave her friend a reassuring smile. "You'll be fine, Chloe. Just focus on what you do best."

They were about to enter the building when a voice cut through the morning air, stopping them in their tracks.

"Evelyn Thorne."

Mark Chen was standing in front of them, his arms crossed, his expression a tense, unreadable mixture of awe and disbelief. His usual arrogance was gone, replaced by a raw, nervous energy. His two teammates hovered awkwardly a few feet behind him.

"Mark," Evelyn acknowledged, her tone perfectly level. "Shouldn't you be preparing with your team?"

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