Chapter 128

Emily must adore you deeply to have programmed Leo with your data. That's why it's reacting this way. By the way, she's also part of Kingsley Tech's research team, so you'll meet her shortly.

Donovan casually tossed Leo toward Evelyn, who caught the AI tiger with careful hands.

"Leo, let's go find Emily!"

"But I want the Great Goddess to hold me!" Leo squirmed in Evelyn's arms, its mechanical voice tinged with childish petulance.

Evelyn could never refuse the adorable AI's requests. She quickened her pace to catch up with Donovan.

"Second Brother..."

Donovan had seen countless AI robots before and wasn't as enamored as Evelyn. To him, they were just sophisticated machines he could recreate at will.

When they arrived at Kingsley Tech headquarters, Leo immediately became the center of attention.

"Little Traitor, did you miss us?" one researcher teased.

Leo lifted its chin with mechanical haughtiness. "Who are you people?"

The crowd burst into laughter at its programmed sass.

Soon, someone escorted Leo to Emily Whitaker while Dominic Kingsley led their group of seven to the designated meeting area.

During the walk, Dominic kept glancing back at Donovan. "This gentleman seems familiar somehow..."

Before Evelyn could introduce him, Donovan spoke first. "My name is Sunner. We've never met."

Dominic nodded, unfazed. "Recent graduate? No matter - if Evelyn brought you, you must be exceptional."

Evelyn deliberately didn't mention wanting Donovan for the core R&D team. She wasn't interested in trade secrets, just staying ahead of industry developments. Donovan's true identity needed to remain hidden.

As they exited the elevator, Evelyn spotted another group approaching. Nathan Blackwood looked every inch the aristocratic CEO as he led his team of seven. Dominic stepped forward. "What a coincidence - all three project leads arriving together!"

"Mr. Blackwood, it's rare to see you personally leading a project team." Evelyn kept her tone professional despite the irritation bubbling beneath the surface.

Nathan's gaze flickered over Evelyn before settling on Dominic. "I've reviewed the site. My team will handle our own equipment needs. Since we're all here, let's begin." Evelyn walked past without another glance.

Nathan watched her retreating figure with unreadable intensity. Dominic clapped Nathan's shoulder with amusement. "Don't stare. She's President Sinclair now - even less likely to look back. Starting to regret things?"

Nathan's icy glare could freeze lava. "Mind your own business."

Dominic chuckled. "Then tell me your sudden personal involvement in this project has nothing to do with her?"

Initially, Dominic hadn't believed the exes would reconnect. But ever since Nathan asked him to arrange that dinner invitation, suspicions grew. Seeing Nathan here now confirmed them.

As they walked, Nathan frowned. "Do you have Stanton Corporation's participant list?"

Dominic forwarded it from his phone - non-confidential information anyway. "Sunner? Who's this?"

"Probably some new graduate," Dominic shrugged.

Nathan's lips curved slightly before schooling his expression. 'Evelyn actually convinced a national-level expert to join a commercial project? Impressive.'

He'd secretly hoped to recruit Donovan for this venture himself. With the renowned scientist involved, success was guaranteed. 'What an interesting coincidence,' Nathan mused.

Dominic found Nathan's sudden interest in a "student" peculiar.

Entering the conference room, Nathan's mood darkened further seeing Evelyn and "Sunner" whispering closely together, their heads nearly touching.

A muscle twitched in Nathan's jaw as he strode purposefully to the seat opposite Evelyn, his entire demeanor radiating displeasure.

Dominic took the head seat with an amused sigh. "On behalf of Kingsley Tech, I officially welcome our two partners. Regarding this research initiative, Blackwood Corporation has already deployed their team. Ms. Sinclair, who will represent your side?"

Evelyn smiled at Donovan. "Sunner, you'll handle this."

She unconsciously grasped Donovan's sleeve - a childhood habit. Donovan patted her hand affectionately in response.

Nathan's frown deepened at their familiar interaction.

Dominic nodded. "Excellent. He can meet with Emily Whitaker afterward."

Nathan's cold voice cut through. "Not just anyone qualifies for this clearance."

Evelyn lifted her chin defiantly. "I decide who represents Sterling Corporation."