Chapter 37 - The Anonymous Warning
Emma discovered the envelope while organizing brochures after the judges left.
She immediately showed it to Coach Daniels.
Neither of them opened it at first.
The handwriting appeared deliberately disguised.
Coach Daniels notified event security before unfolding the note.
Inside was a single sheet of paper.
No threats.
No demands.
Just one typed paragraph.
"Someone plans to question whether Version 15 was independently developed. Bring every notebook, every prototype record, and every design revision tomorrow morning. You'll need them."
Alex read the message twice.
"It could be fake."
"It could."
Emma looked toward the neighboring booths.
"Or someone is trying to help us."
Coach Daniels contacted the competition organizers.
Within minutes, Professor Chen joined them.
After reviewing the note, she remained composed.
"We evaluate evidence."
She looked directly at Alex.
"If anyone raises concerns, your documentation will matter far more than rumors."
Alex quietly retrieved the team's engineering archive.
Every notebook had been dated.
Every prototype photographed.
Every software revision stored with timestamps.
Months of work sat inside two storage boxes.
Professor Chen smiled.
"Very thorough."
Emma shrugged.
"Alex never throws anything away."
"Good habit."
Across the exhibition hall, security personnel reviewed surveillance footage.
No one had clearly seen who placed the envelope.
The individual wore a volunteer jacket, cap, and face mask.
Nothing unusual.
Nothing identifiable.
Later that evening, the robotics team returned to their hotel.
Most students relaxed by the pool or explored nearby restaurants.
Alex stayed in the conference room reviewing engineering notes.
Marcus Reed happened to call.
"How did judging go?"
"I think... well."
"Think?"
Alex laughed.
"Engineers don't usually celebrate before the testing is finished."
Marcus smiled through the phone.
"That's probably wise."
After ending the call, Alex looked once more at the anonymous warning.
Whether genuine or misleading, one thing was now certain.
Tomorrow would involve more than engineering demonstrations.
May you like
Questions were coming.
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