Chapter 530

The world held a love-hate relationship with artificial intelligence. It simplified lives yet carried hidden dangers.

Unlike humans, AI lacked emotions. It couldn't see beauty or hear music.

Cold calculations, data processing, and logical optimization created these brilliant yet heartless silicon minds. One malfunction could spell disaster.

This explained why autonomous vehicles never gained mass adoption despite their potential.

People trusted human error over machine perfection.

A single accident, even with 99.99% safety records, could shatter public confidence overnight.

Dominic Kingsley's voice grew solemn. "We're not pioneers in this field, but our technology surpasses all competitors. Our AI responds faster, learns quicker, and performs better. Yet we must prepare for failure. Do we halt now or see this through?"

The evidence pointed to a 90% probability of chip failure.

Public backlash would crash their stocks, creating ripple effects across all business divisions.

Evelyn Sinclair tapped her chin thoughtfully. "We proceed. Autonomous vehicles are inevitable. Even if we fail repeatedly, we can't forfeit our place in the future. Someone will succeed eventually - why not us?"

Nathan Blackwood and Dominic exchanged glances.

They'd been weighing risk versus reward. Terminating the project seemed the safer choice.

Yet abandoning their efforts felt like surrender.

Evelyn showed no hesitation. Her vision stretched further, her mindset bolder. Her conviction electrified the room, leaving no room for debate.

This potential loss meant nothing compared to missing the opportunity.

Dominic regarded Evelyn with newfound respect. "If someone must succeed, it should be us."

Nathan's gaze lingered on Evelyn, admiration flashing in his eyes. Only Evelyn Sinclair could inspire such confidence.

His lips curved slightly. "Then it's settled. I'll contact our European team to investigate the chip malfunction. Dominic, send two specialists as backup."

Dominic nodded.

Evelyn rested her chin on interlaced fingers. "I'll trace the chip's journey to Europe. Every person who handled it, every checkpoint it passed through - both here and abroad."

What if this wasn't technical failure but sabotage?

The first two trials had proceeded flawlessly.

Nathan checked his watch and straightened. "It's late. Join me for dinner?"

Evelyn gathered her files. "Prior engagement. Goodnight." She exited before anyone could respond.

The silence stretched awkwardly.

Nathan's smile faded. His eyes darkened for a heartbeat. "I'm busy. Take Harrison instead."

Dominic barely suppressed a laugh.

Nathan wasn't even pretending to be polite.

Harrison shifted uncomfortably. "Actually, sir, I have plans tonight—"

Dominic chuckled. "That comment about not dating trashy women was profound, Nathan. Pity classy women won't dine with you either."

The unspoken jab hung in the air: Evelyn wasn't like Victoria Ashford. She didn't crave Nathan's attention.

Nathan's expression hardened. His icy stare pinned Dominic in place. "If you've energy for jokes, focus it on damage control."

Dominic's amusement vanished.

The mood turned sober instantly.