Chapter 255

Bennett was stunned. Normally, Evelyn Sinclair would go out of her way to avoid any place Nathan Blackwood might appear. So why wasn't she avoiding this meeting?

Evelyn held the invitation, raising a brow.

She didn’t understand why Nathan was being so generous, offering her this opportunity. But she wasn’t about to question it—not when it was this rare.

"Book me a flight," Evelyn told Bennett.

Bennett hesitated. "Mr. Harrison mentioned that Mr. Blackwood already arranged it. If you want to go, you just need to board the plane."

Evelyn clenched her jaw.

Damn it. Did Nathan Blackwood read her mind?

After a moment, she snatched the invitation and went to find Alexander Sterling.

"Big Brother, that bastard Nathan Blackwood gave me this. I’m going."

Alexander glanced at the invitation, surprise flickering across his face before he smiled calmly.

"I was planning to take you in a few years. You’re still young, and people might underestimate you because of your lack of seniority. But if you want to go now, I’ll come with you."

Evelyn’s eyes lit up. "You’re coming too?"

Alexander opened a drawer and pulled out a thick stack of invitations—all from the founding members of the Montevista Business Summit.

"I never bothered going before. Too much hassle."

Evelyn swallowed.

Of course. Alexander’s effortless arrogance never failed to impress.

Two days later, Evelyn arrived quietly at the airport, Leo the AI tiger wrapped snugly in a Malo cashmere shawl. His little head peeked out occasionally, curious about the bustling crowd.

She wouldn’t have bothered disguising him if she weren’t worried about causing a scene.

"Be good," she murmured, stroking his head. "I’ll let you explore when we land."

On the plane, the business-class seat beside her remained empty.

Evelyn exhaled in relief—until her phone buzzed with an unknown number.

[President Sinclair, President Blackwood had an emergency. His flight was rescheduled to 7 PM. Someone will meet you in Montevista. —Harrison]

Evelyn scoffed.

Good. The last thing she needed was being trapped on a flight with him.

Leo, however, had already drawn attention. More than once, Evelyn had to explain that he was just an advanced AI robot.

To prove it, Leo played dead on cue—stiff, tongue lolling, eyes rolled back.

The flight attendant left, satisfied.

Evelyn patted his head. "All clear."

The plane took off smoothly. Evelyn reviewed some documents, then leaned back to rest—until a deafening explosion rocked the cabin.

The plane lurched violently.

Evelyn jolted awake, heart hammering as the aircraft shuddered, completely out of control. Screams erupted around her.

Flight attendants shouted instructions, but no one listened.

Evelyn clutched Leo, her face pale. Outside the window, storm clouds churned, lightning flashing ominously.

If she had known this would happen, she never would have come.

Leo wriggled free, his mechanical pupils shifting as infrared sensors scanned the cockpit.

Within seconds, his voice turned grave.

"Mama, the engine is irreparably damaged. We’re at 5,000 feet. Coordinates: 100N, 80E. The braking system is failing. Crash probability: 95%."

Evelyn’s blood ran cold.

"What do we do?"

The desperate cries around her were deafening. Her hands trembled as she gripped the armrest.

In all her years, she never imagined dying like this.

Everything she’d ever done suddenly felt insignificant.

Leo’s voice was urgent. "Put on the life jacket and oxygen mask. The plane will lose control in one minute. Prepare to jump. Survival chance: 50%."

Evelyn’s breath hitched.

Fifty percent?

That was a death sentence.

But she followed his instructions anyway, hands shaking but never stopping.

"Fifty seconds left."

"Forty seconds."

Then—

BOOM.

The world froze.