When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese and Zacharias) novel Chapter 712

The module thrummed with energy, alive and vigilant. Every pulse sent it stretching to its limits, only to snap back with a rhythm as sharp and unstoppable as a drumbeat.

There was no contest. She proved to be the best, securing a decisive victory.

Adrian took the stage with a director from another leading logistics company to share the results.

"Now," they announced, voices ringing through the hall, let's reveal the champion of the National Low-Altitude Logistics Challenge…"

The spotlight cut down hard.

Anneliese's face filled the giant screen, luminous and unblemished. She could have eclipsed any starlet, but her beauty was understated, her smile genuine and unforced.

"She is contestant No. 45," Adrian continued, leaning toward the microphone. His eyes flicked briefly toward Anneliese, something unreadable passing through them before he finished, "Anneliese Claude."

The applause was immediate and thunderous.

At the host's signal, Anneliese moved gracefully to receive her award. Her smile remained steady, her walk confident, and her aura exuded natural elegance.

Gianna watched her pass. She had braced for a smug grin, a sharp glance, or any small gesture that might salt the wound of loss.

Yet, nothing came.

Anneliese didn't look at her at all, not even a glance or a sign of noticing. She just walked by without any acknowledgment.

Gianna's nails sank into her hand as her eyes dropped. Being ignored outright hurt far more than any sneer ever could. That kind of indifference cut the deepest.

If this hadn't been live, she would have turned around and walked out. She had never felt so publicly humiliated, never been overshadowed so completely by someone else.

By then, Anneliese had stood next to the hosts. She responded to their two questions with a natural sense of humor, establishing a relaxed atmosphere.

Then one host smiled and announced, "All right, we now welcome our special guest to present the trophy to our champion."

Anneliese wondered, Huh? The Oceaton University president just handed out the second- and third-place trophies. No one ever mentioned a special guest.

Anneliese's eyes widened. Jonathan?

He teased her with every step, and her heart pounded with restless anticipation as he approached.

She nearly let her composure crack, right there before the entire crowd.

Jonathan noticed the look in her bright, expressive eyes—half accusing, half amused—and couldn't help but smile. As he grabbed the microphone from the host, his other hand casually brushed against the hand resting near Anneliese.

Her heart skipped a beat as she kept her eyes fixed on him.

The host obviously noticed the chemistry between the special guest and the champion. Quickly, he looked away with a smile and joked, "It seems our champion is quite captivated by Mr. Fullbuster. Honestly, with our finalists and guests, tonight has been genuinely charming."

She added, "Mr. Fullbuster isn't only the CEO of AeroAir; he's also an honorary trustee at Oceaton University, making him ideal to present tonight's trophy. Mr. Fullbuster, would you like to say a few words to our champion?"

Jonathan accepted the trophy from the usher and turned back toward Anneliese.

Crystal lights scattered shards of brilliance across the stage, but none could rival the warmth shining in his eyes as he gazed at her.