Gemotions

He had poured months of research, all-nighters, and countless cups of coffee into this. Now, at the tech conference, there it was: her entire app, replicated almost perfectly, being demoed by a rival. His stomach churned. It felt like someone had stolen his soul and then paraded it around for everyone to admire.

The presenter, a slick woman with a charming smile, gestured enthusiastically, showcasing features he had painstakingly coded. He felt a flush creep up his neck, burning his cheeks. He ducked into the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face, trying to compose himself.

He avoided the networking events, the cheerful buzz of the crowd now an irritant. The elevator ride back to his hotel room was an eternity. The reflection in the polished steel doors showed a man defeated.