Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 477

The next day.

Every four years, the “Stellar Cup” Global AI Developer Competition takes the world by storm, and this time the National Arena in the Capital is packed to the rafters. The rules are strict—no teams allowed, just solo competitors. Only the best of the best get to stand on this stage.

Before the sun had even risen, fans and media crowded outside the stadium, cameras snapping and microphones ready. The buzz was electric.

“Good morning, everyone! We’re live at the Stellar Cup!” a reporter called out. “It’s still an hour until the opening, but the place is already buzzing! After four years of waiting, who will take home the Nova Gold Award—the biggest prize in the field? We’ll find out soon, so stay tuned!”

At eight sharp, people started streaming in.

Teresa arrived early, her seat reserved through a few well-placed connections. She slipped in through the VIP entrance and barely sat down before pulling out her phone, tapping Emmy’s number with nervous fingers.

No luck. The call wouldn’t go through.

A few days ago, Emmy had texted her from some vacation spot, promising she'd be back before the competition. But she hadn’t shown up yesterday, and now her phone was totally unreachable.

Teresa’s worry was written all over her face. She glanced at Ivy, who was sitting beside her. “Try calling Abriella again. Weren’t they together?”

Ivy quickly hung up her own call and shook her head. “Still nothing. Says they’re out of service.”

Teresa felt that knot of anxiety tighten in her chest.

Ivy noticed and tried to reassure her. “Don’t stress, ma’am. Maybe Emmy’s already inside the venue. You know how strict security is at these international events. Once she’s backstage in the labs, her phone might not even have signal.”

It made sense, but Teresa could only half relax. She nodded, trying to convince herself.

She’d just settled in when she heard a surprised voice nearby.

“Teresa? You’re here too?”

She turned to see Isabel, a few familiar faces from the Capital’s social scene trailing behind her. Teresa offered her a warm smile.

It was so over-the-top that Teresa rubbed her temples, wishing she could pretend she didn’t know any of them.

Across the way, Juan entered with his own crew. He caught sight of Dean’s circus and smirked.

Juan settled into the VIP box on Dean’s other side, gave a quick nod, and his people immediately raised blue banners: “Genius Evelina—Chasing the Crown!”

The two groups faced off across an empty VIP box, banners fluttering and LED signs flashing. The rivalry was loud, even without a single word exchanged.

The crowd and the media went wild, swinging cameras in their direction.

“Oh wow, are Mr. Sparrow and Mr. Carter about to go at it?”

“One’s here for the ex, one for the new love. This is better than any TV drama!”

“Honestly, the gossip among the rich and famous is more exciting than the AI competition!”