I Hate That I Loved You!

52- End of Hackathon

"Elder Song. You are ready with announcement details?" Rizi asked, breaking the awkwardness in the room.

She understood their predicament.

All of them feel for her, but she was way past over her weak self. She is strong and bold now.

Elder Song picked up the mineral bottle from the table.

"Rizelle, Are you sure about this? Do we need to announce this today?" Elder Song asked while taking a sip of water.

Rizi nodded.

She folded her arms and rested her head on the headrest of the sofa.

Her expression turned serious, "Yes. As you know this event was very important because I wanted to kill two birds with one stone. And trust me both our birds are hit at the right spot. Besides this has created a buzz about our new software already, this victory will add multiple feathers in our hat at the same time.  This will also skyrocket our reputation in the business world legally. So it's the time to announce but ensure to not reveal our identities."

"After this Bennetti Group and other big wigs will chase us restlessly. Time to make a big hole in their Pocket." Rizi grinned mischievously.

Elder Song nodded and adjusted his cufflinks, "Ok then. If you say so."

Zack stood up quickly, "Ok, then let's go and get that reward money first."

His eyes showing big dollar signs.

"Damn it, Zack. You are already filthy rich, and your family is so powerful. This greediness doesn't suit you!"  Rizi rolled her eyes at Zack's expression.

"Indeed. Instead, I should have a dollar sign in my eyes. Not you." Abby scowled at him.

"Hey! Hey! That is my family's money, not mine. But this is ours.!" He spoke like an excited little boy.

Rizi shook her head, "Alright. Let's go."

All of them came to the competition floor and occupied empty seats.

Rizi gestured Elder Song to go ahead.

The emcee came on the stage.

"Hello, Folks! Let's welcome our main judge and organizer on the stage.  Field Marshal Mr.Morris and Chief of National Security Agency Mr.Willis. Please come on the stage."

Both well strong built middle-aged man walked towards the stage.

Both excluding air of dominance and strict military etiquettes.

The Willis and Morris are from top-class families in the country. They both had served in the Military and Secret Services from generations.

"Now I would like to call The Alpha Team on the stage to collect their reward." The emcee turned toward the crowd to look for The Alpha Team members.

Rizi gestured at Elder Song. Elder Song stood up elegantly and walked toward the stage.

The emcee was surprised.

He opened his mouth to say something, but Field Marshall Morris motioned him to stay put and keep his mouth shut.

Elder Song reached the stage and shook hands with Field Marshal Morris and Chief Willis.

Field Marshal Morris smiled widely at him and greeted him with a hug.

He gestured the emcee to hand over the microphone to Elder Song.

The crowd was confused as to who is this man, and why is he on the stage instead of the team Alpha.

"Hello Everyone. You all must be wondering why I am here instead of The Team Alpha."  Elder Song's deep voice echoed from the microphone.

The crowd nodded their head in agreement. Indeed they want to know.

"Let me introduce myself first. I am Kevin Song. COO of LRD Security Solutions." Elder Song gave his introduction.

He continued,

"The Alpha Team here is our expert from the company. The Alpha is the new Security Product that we are planning to launch in the market after the Hackathon, but we decided to first people witness the product's efficiency and strengths. If we had lost today in the hackathon, we would have worked harder to improve our product before launching it in the market. But my capable team has won and proved that they are the best. I am immensely proud of the team who are the brains behind such a creation. I know the hackathon keeps everyone's identity secret unless someone themselves wants to reveal. So I am shamelessly taking this opportunity to announce that Alpha Team is none other but core integral part of LRD Security Solutions."

The crowd gasped. 'Whaaaat!!!!!'

Elder Song chuckled.

Everyone was stunned.

They had heard about fast-rising LRD Security Solutions, but they were surprised by the fact that the super-skilled Alpha Team is part of LRD Security Solutions.

Francesco was too surprised.

In this whole event and excitement about his Goddess, he forgot that LRD Security Solutions and Grey Technosoft also had participated and sent their representatives.

So, the Team Alpha is from LRD. He admired their courage.

Indeed they made use of the right opportunity to showcase their software and proved how efficient it is. The software was indeed too good!

He turned towards Zain, but to his surprise, Zain was calm, and not a bit of astonishment was there on his face.

"You already knew?" Francesco asked.

Zain nodded without looking at Francesco. "En. I recalled meeting with that guy Kevin Song just a while back. He is the COO of LRD Security Solutions. Let's arrange a meeting once we go back."

Francesco nodded. LRD Security Solution was already their first choice. Witnessing live demonstration of their software has gained their trust and confidence.

"My team is a bit exhausted so they want me to collect the reward on their behalf and The Alpha is our new product that will be launched in a market in a week. I will drop our visiting cards and information booklets on the counter. You can collect it while leaving. Thank you, everyone." Elder Song ended his speech and handed the microphone over to Field Marshal Morris.

"Thank you Mr.Song. We wish great success to your company. This new security software is indeed top-notch. Looking forward to working with you and your skilled team." Then Field Marshal Morris and Chief Willis handed the big cardboard cheque of 20 million dollars to Elder Song.

They also handed over to him the envelope which has a real cheque and a three-year contract to work and provide services to the National Security Agency.

The crowd gave a big round of applause. Elder Song bowed to everyone and left the stage.

"Thank you everyone for your participation and visit. Snacks and refreshments are served on the top floor. Please help yourselves. "The emcee ended his speech, and the crowd dispersed.

As soon as event ended, Rizi, Zack, Abby, and Elder Song came out of the building.

They boarded Zack's car and left immediately.

They had their masks on and they did not want anyone to see or meet them.

Zain looked around to search for the pink-haired lady, but he found no one on the floor. All her teammates and Mr.Song had left already.