Chapter 150
Chapter 150
Alex’s POV
The private jet touched down in Dubai with the smooth precision I’d come to expect from my lifestyle, but today, even the best service couldn’t calm my nerves. As James and I exited the plane and slid into the waiting car, I felt the weight of my frustration settle heavily on my chest. Nexus Innovations had done the unthinkable…dethroned me. And I was here to find out how and, more importantly, who was behind it.
“Sir,” James began, glancing at me as we drove toward the venue. Are you sure about this? I mean, attending their event…”
“I’m not just sure, James,” I interrupted, my tone sharper than I intended. “I need to see this with my own eyes. I need to know who this Mr. B is in person and how he managed to push my company to second place.”
James nodded, though his apprehension lingered. “Understood, sir. I’ve confirmed your seat near the front. You’ll have the best view of everything.”
“Good,” I said, staring out at the gleaming Dubai skyline as it blurred past the car window. My jaw tightened. I hated being outplayed, and this wasn’t just any loss. This was personal.
The tech conference was housed in a massive, state–of–the–art convention center, its architecture as futuristic as the innovations it celebrated. The moment I stepped inside, the air filled with energy. Industry giants, innovators, and tech enthusiasts from around the globe mingled in the sleek, modern space. Giant LED screens displayed Nexus Innovations‘ latest breakthroughs, their name and logo splashed across every corner. It was a blatant display of dominance, and I couldn’t help but feel a bitter twist in my gut.
James walked beside me, clutching his tablet. “The schedule looks packed,” he said. “Some of the top tech minds are speaking today.”
I barely heard him as we were escorted to our seats. The front rows were reserved for VIPs, and as we settled into the second row, I scanned the room. My name was introduced as one of the event’s notable attendees, earning a polite round of applause. I nodded curtly, my usual confidence feeling oddly out of place in this room where I wasn’t the center of attention.
The stage was massive, with a sleek black backdrop illuminated by shifting neon lights. The program began with a flourish… videos showcasing Nexus Innovations‘ products, followed by presentations from their engineers and collaborators. Each innovation they unveiled was cutting–edge, from AI–driven robotics to next–gen energy solutions.
I couldn’t deny it: they were good. Very good. And that only made the sting sharper.
James leaned closer, keeping his voice low. “Sir, their AI technology alone explains a lot. It’s leagues ahead in certain areas. They’ve also secured partnerships that…”
“I know, James,” I snapped, adjusting my tie as frustration simmered beneath the surface. My fingers tugged at the fabric, loosening it slightly. It felt as though it was choking me.
“Sorry, sir,” James said, backing off slightly.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “No, I’m sorry. I’m just… irritated.” I tapped my foot against the floor, the sound soft but rhythmic, betraying my impatience.
“Understandable, James said, his tone placating. “It’s a lot to take in. But this conference might give us insight into how they’re operating.”
I nodded, though my frustration didn’t ease. As the presentation continued, I couldn’t help but notice how polished everything was. The speakers were articulate, the visuals stunning, the audience captivated. Every detail had been
meticulously planned, and it showed.
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I exhaled a frustrated breath, leaning back in my seat. My eyes scanned the stage and the audience, searching for any sign of Mr. B. I knew the man would show eventually; this was his event after all. But the anticipation was gnawing at me.
The CEO of a prominent tech firm took the stage, delivering a speech about the future of innovation. I tuned out most of it, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Nexus Innovations. How had a company with so little wealth compared to mine risen to the top in just a matter of weeks?
“They’re clever,” I muttered under my breath,
“Sir?” James asked, leaning closer.
I shook my head. “Nothing. Just thinking out loud.”
The applause for the current speaker snapped me out of my thoughts. Another speaker was introduced, an expert in AI technology. Still no Mr. B. I shifted in my seat, tapping my pen against the notepad in front of me.
James glanced at me. “Sir, perhaps he’s waiting for the final segment to make an appearance. It’s common for hosts to…”
“I know, James,” I–interrupted, though my tone was less sharp this time. “But it’s irritating. The man’s made himself a ghost, and I’m tired of chasing shadows.”
James didn’t respond, likely sensing that I needed to stew in my frustration.
As the next presentation began, I tried to focus, but the sense of unease wouldn’t leave me. This wasn’t just about business…it was about my reputation, my legacy. And whoever this Mr. B was, he’d made the mistake of stepping into my arena.
Hugged my tie loose again, releasing another slow breath. If Mr B thought he could stay in the shadows forever, he was sorely mistaken. I would see him. And when I did, I would make him understand exactly who he was dealing with. novelbin
For now, though, all I could do was wait.
Suddenly, the room erupted into applause as the host of the event was finally introduced. The booming voice of the announcer filled the air.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the visionary behind Nexus Innovations, the man redefining the tech world…please welcome Mr. B!” The stage lights shifted, and amidst the clapping and cheering, a figure emerged from the shadows.
My heart nearly stopped.
It was him. Daniel Brooks.
My grip on the armrest tightened as the man strode onto the stage with effortless confidence, his tailored suit immaculate, his smirk as sharp as ever.
The crowd’s cheers seemed distant, muffled by the ringing in my ears, Daniel Brooks….my rival,
and worse, the man hell–bent on stealing Christiana from me…was Mr. B.