Chapter 677

Alexandra Montgomery blinked in shock when Emily Whitaker stated, "A robotic tiger like this costs at least nine figures. If you're not paying for it, did you honestly think I'd just hand it over?"

Alexandra's face drained of color. That astronomical number made her stomach drop.

She glanced down at the expensive mechanical beast and immediately recoiled, afraid to even brush against it. "We're family, though. Can't you give me a discount?" she mumbled under her breath.

The entire room froze.

How shameless can she be? Evelyn Sinclair thought, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Why do I have relatives like this? Natalie Beaumont kept her head down, sipping her coffee in silence. Evelyn deliberately turned away, pretending not to know Alexandra.

Emily arched a brow. "Excuse me? This isn't a flea market. Bargaining isn't an option here."

Alexandra's shoulders slumped in defeat—just as William Sterling entered, holding little Oliver Sinclair's hand.

"Evelyn, Oliver was playing outside. Take him to wash up," William said casually.

Evelyn seized the moment. "Of course!"

Alexandra wasn't about to let this chance slip. Even if she couldn't afford it, Uncle William certainly could! She rushed forward, dramatically clutching her arm. "Uncle William!"

Only then did he notice her. "Alexandra, you're here too. Well, have fun with the girls—"

He turned to leave, completely missing her theatrics.

"Uncle William!" she stomped her foot, tears welling up. "This fake tiger scratched me!"

The three women at the table exchanged stunned glances. Oliver blinked in confusion.

William finally glanced at her raised arm, narrowing his eyes. "Where?"

Alexandra shoved her arm in his face, pointing to a faint red mark. "Right here!"

William squinted. "My eyesight isn't what it used to be. Can't see a thing. Just put some ointment on it—you'll be fine. It's a robot, not a real tiger. No need for rabies shots." He chuckled, waving at Evelyn. "Evelyn, have someone fetch her some cream."

Before Evelyn could respond, Alexandra blurted out, "Uncle William, can you buy me one of these tigers?"

The audacity was breathtaking.

William paused, then deadpanned, "Absolutely not. This thing has violent tendencies. It scratched your arm today—what if it mauls your face tomorrow?"

Alexandra gaped, speechless.

The others barely stifled their laughter.

Brilliant. Evelyn had to hand it to her father. When dealing with a scheming little brat, he knew exactly how to shut her down without lifting a finger.

Once William left, Evelyn offered Alexandra a polite smile. "The butler downstairs can get you that ointment."

Basic manners were still necessary—even for unwelcome guests. A scene would only ruin William's New Year.

The moment Alexandra stormed off, the room collectively exhaled, bursting into laughter.

Oliver giggled, hugging Leo tightly. "Big Tiger, come wash hands with me!"

The mechanical tiger preened under the praise, puffing up with pride at being called Big Tiger. "Okay!" Oliver set it down, and Leo strutted away, tail flicking arrogantly.

Everyone adored the ridiculous display—except Emily, who rolled her eyes.

This dumb tiger really...

The mechanical tiger's eyes flickered with an eerie blue glow.

Evelyn Sinclair froze mid-step, her breath catching in her throat.

Just moments ago, this artificial creature had been snarling at her with undisguised hostility. Now its posture had shifted completely - head bowed, tail still, in a posture of submission.

Nathan Blackwood's grip tightened on Evelyn's arm. "Don't move," he murmured.

The tiger's metallic plating rippled as it took a hesitant step forward.

Vanessa Holloway's shrill voice cut through the tension. "What's wrong with it? Attack her!" She jabbed a manicured finger toward Evelyn.

But the AI creature ignored its programmed commands. Instead, it nuzzled against Evelyn's leg with an unexpected gentleness.

Margaret Blackwood gasped. "That's impossible! It's never responded like this to anyone."

The tiger's sensors whirred as it studied Evelyn with unsettling intensity. Then it did something no one anticipated.

It spoke.

"Master recognized," the mechanical voice announced. "Primary protocol activated."

Evelyn's eyes widened. "I... I don't understand."

Nathan's expression darkened. "Who programmed this thing?"

The tiger's tail swished as it positioned itself protectively in front of Evelyn, turning to face Vanessa with a low, threatening growl.

Vanessa stumbled backward. "This wasn't part of the deal! That machine was supposed to-"

"Silence!" The tiger's voice modulator crackled with authority. "Threat to Master detected. Defense protocols engaged."

Evelyn reached out instinctively, her fingers brushing the cool metal plating. "Wait," she whispered.

The tiger immediately stilled, awaiting her command.

Nathan's jaw tightened as he surveyed the bizarre scene. "Someone explain this. Now."

But no one could.

Least of all Evelyn, who found herself staring into the glowing eyes of a machine that somehow recognized her as its rightful owner - despite never having seen it before in her life.

The tiger's next words sent chills down every spine in the room:

"Master Evelyn Sinclair. Security breach detected in sector seven. Your presence is required."

Then it did the unthinkable.

It bowed.