Layla's presentation exceeded all expectations.
Instead of reading from her slides, she went straight to Stratos Group's core technical challenges. She explained LLM optimization, custom algorithmic architecture, and EchoMind's core logic so clearly that even non-technical staff could follow.
Stratos Group's engineering director leaned forward, eyes brightening. "Ms. Bennett, did you build this entire model independently?"
"Yes." Layla smiled. "Including the underlying source code."
"Remarkable," he said with genuine admiration. "This is more advanced than any proposal we've seen so far."
Blake smiled proudly from below the stage.
Then, just as Layla prepared to conclude, a cold voice came from the principal seat.
"Ms. Bennett."
Damian had spoken.
The hall went silent.
A pen spun
