Chapter 307

Without another glance at Nathan Blackwood, Lucas Sterling turned slowly and slid into the waiting car.

Archibald started the engine immediately, pulling away from the curb with smooth precision.

Evelyn Sinclair returned home and slept deeply through the night.

Morning light filtered through the drapes, painting golden stripes across the floor. Leo had switched the room's sleep mode to active, now lounging lazily on the balcony swing.

His four paws twitched nervously, caught between fear and delight at the new sensations.

The shrill ring of Natalie Beaumont's call shattered Evelyn's peaceful morning. She groped blindly for her buzzing phone.

"Did you and Isabella make some pact to never let me sleep in?" Natalie's voice carried forced calmness laced with concern.

"Wait - Nathan took you last night? He didn't hurt you, did he?" Evelyn sat bolt upright.

"Took me? Didn't I get in his car voluntarily? That useless Adrian Prescott wouldn't stand up to Nathan, but I called Lucas right after. Nothing happened in between, right?" Evelyn's eyebrows shot up.

"That lying bastard! No, Lucas came quickly. That's good." After some casual chatter, Natalie hung up. Evelyn ground her teeth in frustration.

"I actually fell for his tricks?"

The maids entered with hangover tea, having heard Evelyn stirring. After breakfast, she cradled Leo and headed to Kingsley Tech. Donovan Sterling had altered Leo's programming, but surely Emily Whitaker could restore it.

Evelyn refused to let her AI companion favor people she despised. The receptionist spotted her approach and rushed forward with practiced professionalism.

"Welcome, Ms. Sinclair. Mr. Kingsley wasn't informed of your visit today. Shall I notify him?"

Evelyn raised a hand. "No need. I'm here to see Emily Whitaker. Is she available?"

The receptionist hesitated briefly. "Of course. Please wait in the lounge."

Evelyn exhaled in relief. "Perfect. Time to fix this ridiculous situation." In the lounge, she stroked Leo's synthetic fur.

"Listen closely. You need to develop some backbone. When someone tries to reprogram you, you must learn to say no. Understood?" Leo nuzzled against her, radiating wounded pride.

(But Father is objectively the most attractive human! Mother, you must face facts!)

Evelyn considered shaking some sense into the stubborn AI.

The lounge door swung open suddenly. "Evelyn! You're here!" Emily Whitaker stood in the doorway, her white lab coat wrinkled, hair escaping from a messy bun.

Evelyn's delighted smile froze when she noticed the two men following Emily inside.

"Mr. Kingsley? Mr. Blackwood?" Dominic Kingsley entered with a polite smile while Nathan Blackwood maintained his usual impassive expression. Evelyn drew a sharp breath.

"Like some cursed specter haunting my every step."

Dominic adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. "Long time no see, Ms. Sinclair. Congratulations on your safe return." Evelyn forced a chuckle. "Thank you."

When Evelyn pointedly ignored Nathan, Dominic cleared his throat. "Mr. Blackwood happened to be here for a meeting."

"We thought you'd appreciate an update on the AI project," he continued smoothly. "After all, you spearheaded this initiative."

Evelyn responded in her flattest tone, "Didn't I transfer this project before my identity was revealed?"

Dominic could only manage a weak acknowledgment.

Just as the silence grew unbearable, Nathan finally spoke, his voice deceptively gentle. "After last night's drinking, are you feeling better now?"