She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 135

Chapter 135

The surrounding students turned to congratulate them, completely oblivious to the ugly expressions on the faces of Mario, Quiana, and the rest of their team.

Quiana’s beautiful daydream shattered on the spot. They were supposed to win the Gold Award, weren’t they? Why was it suddenly First Prize?

Deceived by Mario’s assurances, the other students on the team were equally bewildered. “I thought we were getting the Gold Award,” someone whispered. “What happened?”

“Did something change at the last minute?” another asked, confused.

“Or maybe there is no Gold Award?”

A murmur of uncertainty spread through the group, and no one made a move to stand up.

‘Will Mr. Nash and your team please come to the stage,” the host prompted again.

Quiana leaned in and whispered to Mario, “Mr. Nash, everyone is

watching. Let’s go up first. I’m sure there’s been a misunderstanding; our work is definitely Gold Award material. We can question it later if we need

to.”

Mario forced a smile and mechanically rose to his feet. His eyes were glued to the envelope still in the host’s hand–the one that held the name of the Gold Award winner.

Who was it? Who had stolen his prize? He had reviewed all the other submissions; none of them contained a medical breakthrough as significant as his!

Except…

Mario’s head snapped back to look in Loyce’s direction. He had never

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Chapter 135

bothered to read her paper. A student’s novel idea, without rounds of experimental validation, was surely worthless. He had dismissed it with a single glance.

Her winning the Gold Award? Utterly impossible!

Under the expectant gazes of the audience, Mario slowly ascended the stage. Each step felt like walking on cotton, a dull roar filling his ears. Five million dollars would normally have thrilled him, but now it felt like a slap in the face, shattering his bright hopes for the future.

“Congratulations, Mr. Nash,” the host said, handing him the heavy trophy. “Please, a few words.”

Mario took the microphone, suppressing his fury. “First, I’d like to thank the committee for their recognition…”

His speech was short and formal, his eyes darting back to the other envelope in the host’s hand. What should have been a triumphant moment was an agonizing ordeal for Mario’s team.

After they finally returned to their seats, all eyes were fixed on the host, who still held the final winner’s name.

The host smiled. “Normally, our ceremony would conclude here. However, one of the papers submitted this year has demonstrated an impact so profound, its value so far exceeding all the other excellent entries, that the committee unanimously decided to add a Gold Award on top of the First Prize. I believe the winner will be a surprise to most, if not all, of you. Even I was absolutely stunned.”

The host glanced at the card in his hand again, taking another deep breath. “The next generation is truly formidable. The winner of this year’s Gold Award is ‘Emerging Discoveries and Clinical Applications of Neuroregeneration Factors‘–by the author, Loyce!”

Chapter 136

Chapter 136