Chapter 43 - An Unexpected Announcement
Professor Chen folded the note carefully before slipping it into the folder containing the award results.
She stepped back to the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, before we continue, I have one brief announcement."
The auditorium grew quiet.
"Competition security has completed an initial review of an unrelated procedural matter. At this time, there is no evidence requiring any team's results to be delayed."
A wave of relieved murmurs spread across the room.
Alex glanced at Emma.
"So everything continues."
Coach Daniels nodded.
"As it should."
Professor Chen smiled.
"Now... let's recognize some extraordinary young engineers."
The first awards honored environmental innovation.
Then medical technology.
Then autonomous systems.
Each winning team received warm applause from competitors as well as spectators.
Alex found himself clapping enthusiastically for projects he had admired during the exhibition.
Emma leaned closer.
"I forgot how many incredible ideas are here."
"So did I."
The mobility engineering category came last.
Professor Chen opened another envelope.
"This year's finalists demonstrated not only technical excellence, but also thoughtful design focused on real-world accessibility."
Alex's heartbeat quickened.
"The judges selected three projects for special recognition."
Third place.
A powered walking-assistance device.
Second place.
A modular navigation system for visually impaired users.
Professor Chen paused before reading the final card.
"The Innovation Award for Adaptive Mobility..."
She smiled.
"...goes to Westbrook High."
For a moment, Alex simply stared.
Emma laughed first.
Then Coach Daniels.
The robotics team erupted into celebration.
As Alex rolled toward the stage, applause filled the auditorium—not because everyone knew his story, but because they respected his work.
Professor Chen handed him the award.
"You built something meaningful."
Alex accepted it with both hands.
"We're still building."
Professor Chen nodded.
"I hope you never stop."
As photographers captured the moment, Rebecca Collins lowered her camera.
The headline forming in her mind wasn't about a student overcoming adversity.
It was about young engineers proving that accessibility and innovation belonged together.
Yet backstage, Investigator Bennett received another message.
The anonymous account that leaked the prototype had suddenly become active again.
Only one new post appeared.
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Congratulations. This isn't over.
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