CODE OF THE HEART

r from the crowd. She felt a surge of fear sweep over her but soon took a deep breath, determined to

meaning behind them," Sophia began, her voice beginning out a little unsteady but getting stronger

exhilaration. This was where she actually belonged. Talking about machine learning and natural lang

n what she said. His intense look made her a bit scared, but also excited. He a

the third row, she noticed Ethan. His triumphant grin took her by surprise, making

ressing ahead with even greater conviction. She had worked too hard to allow Ethan's presence th

ed in cheers. Sophia's heart leaped. She had

e inquired, her eye

he introduced himself. "Brilliant work. I'm intrigued about your method to

as recognized in the AI world, known for his

She proceeded into detailing NeuroLink's ethical criteria, sho

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, Sophia found herself enjoying the exc

eling like she was walking on air. She had done it. She'd

, was waiting for her with a large

"Did you see all those investors ta

ory. But before she could say anything, a fa

ve as alw

e. His grin was pleasant, yet something a

tone a tad frigid. She hadn't

his voice calm. "And... we need to talk.

What things?" she asked, a tr

nversation. "Ms. Chen," he began, "I was hoping we could continue our discussion.

ressure. She didn't want to ignore Ethan, but this was Alex Tanak

said, unsure

female voice broke

ful, with piercing emerald eyes that

ered, his tone wary. "W

exTech, NeuroLink's main rival. Victoria was known for being both br

ng with disdain. She turned to Sophia. "I just wanted to congratulate you on a great presentation.

y line of our code is original," she stated

ying herself. "Is that so? Because I've se

hands. "What exact

"Perhaps we should take this conversation somewhere more p

her voice exuding confidence. "Let's head to the VIP lounge. I think it's t

hall, and Sophia's thoughts raced. What was Vic

deserted. Victoria sat down in a leather chair,

ce chilly and cutting. "NeuroLink is making waves-

to back down. "If you're trying t

chilly as ever. "I'm not here to threa

d," Sophia fired bac

dded. "Because in about thirty seconds, your servers are going to experience a very n

grew pale. "Yo

. Sophia's heart fell. On the screen, NeuroLink's most sensitive info sl

ophia mumbled, her

d. "Let's just say you've got a traitor in your m

et. She took it out and saw a message from Maya

ng her with a proud grin on her face. The room looked to swirl, and

shock-and something more. Was it guilt? Alex stood close, his look inscrutab

e had worked for, everything she had given, was now hanging by a thread

t? Ethan? Maya? Or

ughts. "So," she asked, "what's it going to be? You

ly a business disagreement anymore. This was personal. And

ers and locked eyes with Victoria. "Bring it on,"

g to be a battle, then S