Chapter 1: Declaring War

The AI Global Summit in San Francisco was supposed to be Evelyn Carter's victory stage.

Her company, Novacore, had just announced Neuralink-X, an AI that could predict market trends with 98% accuracy. Investors were practically throwing money at her feet. This summit wasn't just about innovation—it was about reminding the world who ruled the tech industry.

And then, Ji-Ah Park happened.

Evelyn didn't expect to care when some foreign CEO took the stage. She leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, waiting for a weak sales pitch.

Instead, Ji-Ah announced Infinity Dynamics' new AI—Synapse.

It wasn't just a competitor to Neuralink-X.

It was faster. Smarter. More efficient.

And suddenly, Evelyn Carter had a problem.

Backstage – The First Face-Off

After the presentation, Evelyn stormed into the private lounge, where industry leaders networked over overpriced champagne. She wasn't in the mood for small talk. She was looking for Ji-Ah.

And there she was.

Standing near the bar, sipping her drink like she hadn't just declared war on Evelyn's company.

Evelyn approached with the confidence of a woman who had never lost a battle.

"So," Evelyn said smoothly, "should I be impressed, or should I sue you for stealing my ideas?"

Ji-Ah turned, meeting her gaze with calm amusement. "Oh? I wasn't aware you owned the concept of innovation."

Evelyn smirked. "I do when I do it first."

Ji-Ah didn't blink. "You should check your data, Miss Carter. I believe I beat you by two seconds."

Evelyn's jaw clenched. This woman was either fearless or incredibly stupid.

"You do realize what you've done, don't you?" Evelyn said, voice lower now, edged with danger.

Ji-Ah tilted her head. "I launched a superior product?"

"You made an enemy."

Ji-Ah's lips curved slightly. Not a smile. A challenge.

"Well, that depends," Ji-Ah said. "Are you going to win gracefully, or are you just going to throw a tantrum?"

Evelyn took a slow breath. No one talked to her like this. Not investors. Not executives. No one.

But Ji-Ah Park wasn't afraid of her.

And Evelyn had never wanted to destroy someone more.