No one knew just how smug Julian felt at that moment.
Seriously—Caitlin, that small-town nobody, thought she could compete with him?
Laughable.
Now, he wasn't just the dark horse of the financial world—he was also the very first person in Silverhaven to land a partnership with Master Ninth himself.
Julian could picture it now: everyone in the conference hall must be green with envy.
Or so he thought.
Suddenly, Skyler's voice cut through the air like a bolt of lightning, freezing Julian in place. The entire hall fell silent.
Because the company Skyler announced was, "Apex Game Studios!"
Apex Game Studios?
That couldn't be right. Had he misheard?
Julian's face drained of all color as he stared at Skyler in disbelief. "Um, Mr. Cumming… are you—are you joking?"
Every head turned to Skyler, the same confusion mirrored on their faces.
Apex Game Studios was on the verge of bankruptcy! Why would Master Ninth pick them? How could Julian possibly lose to a company on its last legs?
It was absurd.
"I'm not joking," Skyler replied, a bit bewildered himself. He didn't understand why Gordon would choose Apex Game Studios, but it was his uncle's decision, and he wasn't about to question it. "Apex Game Studios won the bid."
Julian's legs nearly gave out beneath him.
He felt like the punchline of a cruel joke.
How could this happen? His proposal was by far the most innovative of them all. Why would Master Ninth choose Apex Game Studios?
Even Victor, who had actually won, looked completely stunned.
He'd believed in Caitlin, sure—but now that they'd actually won, he still couldn't wrap his mind around it.
This was Sylvester Group, after all.
The number one name in business.
Beside him, Carlisle looked as if he'd just seen a ghost. To make sure he wasn't dreaming, he pinched his own thigh so hard he nearly yelped.
Ouch. That hurt. It really hurt.
So this wasn't a dream.
Realizing this, Carlisle nearly bounced on his toes with excitement. He never would have guessed that the mysterious Miss Kensington would actually help them land a partnership with Sylvester Group.
Victor was still trying to process everything when Skyler walked over and extended a hand. "Mr. Winslow, congratulations."
"Thank you, Mr. Cumming," Victor replied, still in shock. He stood up and shook Skyler's hand. "Thank you, and thank Master Ninth for giving Apex Game Studios this chance."

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