Chapter TenAfter their swim, Korum brought her back home, jumped into the shower, and left within two minutes, moving like a whirlwind. Bemused, Mia could only watch as he paused to brush a quick kiss on her forehead and then practically flew out the door.
Following his departure, Mia also took a shower and fortified herself with a snack of mango and walnuts, preparing for another potentially lengthy presentation. Then, putting on the bracelet Korum had given her yesterday, she settled comfortably on the couch and immersed herself in the show.
The second day of the trial started with the now-familiar chime.
As before, Mia found her way through the crowd toward Korum’s podium and perched on top of it. This time, she refused to touch his virtual self in any way, her cheeks heating up at t
