Chapter 72

The screen displayed a photograph of Donovan Sterling, Evelyn's second brother, accepting a prestigious award in Switzerland. At just seventeen, Donovan had been honored with the Quantum Innovation Prize, catapulting him to international fame as the foremost physicist of his generation. His brilliant mind made him the most sought-after scientist across continents. In the image, Donovan appeared youthful and clean-shaven, his smile radiating warmth like morning sunlight.

"You know him?!" Emily Whitaker practically bounced toward Evelyn, her eyes sparkling with undisguised admiration. "He's my absolute idol! Meeting him would be a dream come true - I could die happy after that!"

Evelyn remained silent. While her brother's professional achievements were undeniable, his eccentric personality was another matter entirely. Donovan had an inexplicable aversion to female company, so severe that their father worried he might remain a bachelor forever.

Emily enthusiastically recounted Donovan's numerous accomplishments while clutching Evelyn's arm. "Isn't he just breathtaking? He makes every Hollywood actor look plain by comparison! I wonder what he looks like under that lab coat..."

Evelyn pressed her lips together before murmuring, "He's... decent looking."

Having grown up with Donovan frequently wandering shirtless around their family home, Evelyn knew his physique well. While certainly fit, she privately considered him average compared to their eldest brother Alexander and their actor brother Lucas.

Emily's eyes widened in shock. "How would you know? Do you actually know him?"

A mischievous thought struck Evelyn. Wouldn't it be amusing if Emily pursued Donovan? With a playful smirk, she revealed, "I have his personal number. Want it?"

Emily gasped. "You're joking!"

Without hesitation, Evelyn pulled out her phone and initiated a video call with Donovan right in front of Emily. The call connected to show her brother abroad, his hair tousled from sleep as he rubbed his eyes. Emily shrieked and spun away, covering her mouth in excitement.

"Evelyn? What's wrong?" Donovan's sleepy voice came through. "I've been buried in research - haven't had time to check in."

Evelyn smiled. "No emergency. Just wanted to see your face. I've got a friend here who's your biggest fan. Would you give her an autograph?"

Donovan hesitated before reluctantly agreeing. "Fine. One signature."

Ending the call, Evelyn turned to see Emily practically vibrating with joy. She couldn't help but laugh. "I'll get you that autograph when I can."

Emily struggled to contain her excitement as she grabbed Evelyn's hands. "Oh my God! I just saw Donovan Sterling waking up! This is the best day of my life!"

Evelyn simply shook her head in amusement.

"Please, please give me his number!" Emily begged, clasping her hands dramatically. Her large eyes pleaded as she offered, "What do you want in exchange? This silly tiger?" She pointed at the mechanical feline in Evelyn's arms, her expression torn between hope and fear of rejection.

Evelyn's eyes lit up in surprise. "You'd really trade him? Will Dominic approve?"

"Absolutely!" Emily declared without hesitation. "Leo belongs to me, not Dominic. He has no say in this."

"Deal!" Evelyn had adored the advanced AI tiger since first seeing it but had been too polite to ask for it.

She quickly transferred Donovan's contact information to Emily, who responded by showering Evelyn with hugs and kisses. "Evie! You're amazing! I love you so much!"

The robotic tiger huffed in displeasure, pushing Emily away from Evelyn with its paw. "Stop touching my pretty lady! She's mine now!"

Evelyn laughed, stroking the tiger's head. "That's right. From today onward, you're coming home with me."

The mechanical creature wiggled happily. "I like you! Take me home!"

"Does it need special charging?" Evelyn asked, wanting to properly care for her new companion.

Emily, already distracted by her phone waiting for Donovan to accept her friend request, waved dismissively. "Just ask it. The thing knows everything about itself!"

Evelyn ran her fingers over the tiger's synthetic fur in amazement. "Really? You know all your own specifications?"

The tiger puffed out its chest proudly, nuzzling her hand. "Of course! I'm programmed with complete self-diagnostics!"