The official finally continued. "Cresswell Technology!"
For a moment, Riley did not react.
The name seemed to reach his ears, but his mind refused to understand it.
Then the room suddenly came alive.
Thunderous applause broke out from the Cresswell Tech camp. Several people stood from their seats, shaking hands and congratulating one another. At the same time, excited voices filled that side of the room. Kevin remained composed, but there was now a clear sense of satisfaction in his expression.
On the other side of the hall, sighs and disappointed murmurs rose from the losing companies.
Except for Sterling Tech's team. They seemed completely frozen.
Riley remained seated, his hands resting on his lap as his fingers slowly clenched into fists. His eyes stayed fixed on the official who had made the announcement, as if he were waiting for him to correct himself.
'Cresswell Tech?'
The thought repeated in his mind.
'I must have misheard.'
But no one corrected the announcement.
