Chapter 854

Emily froze instantly and shook her head. "No way!"

Evelyn finally let out a breath of relief.

She smiled and took a sip of her latte. The group changed into lab coats and headed to the core research facility.

Preston and Bennett were fully engaged in the tour. While they could've just reviewed the data reports, seeing the technology in person made a far greater impact.

Emily led the demonstration at the front.

"Our focus is on intelligent living systems—not just smart home devices, but integrated environmental controls. Temperature, humidity, waterproofing, fire suppression—all automated. The real challenge? Human emotional variability. We've now perfected emotion detection, allowing spaces to adapt based on happiness, anger, sadness—even subtle mood shifts. We've incorporated cutting-edge medical research into this."

She gestured to the display. "The AI chip performs daily health scans without leaving home. It also provides emergency response capabilities anywhere, anytime."

Preston's eyes lit up. The progress exceeded his expectations.

Two massive pods stood before them. Emily extended a hand. "You can step inside for a firsthand experience."

Preston entered without hesitation. Bennett paused briefly before following.

Evelyn remained outside. Emily glanced at her. "Not joining them, Evie?"

Evelyn shook her head. "I'm sure it's impressive, but I'll wait for the consumer version. Install one in my penthouse when it's ready."

Emily nearly choked on her coffee.

Through the glass, she watched Preston's sharp profile—the noble tilt of his jaw, the effortless elegance in his posture. She sighed dramatically. "Mr. Sinclair gets more devastating by the day. That jawline? Those shoulders? And don't get me started on those legs—"

Evelyn shot her a look. "Emily, my brother Donovan is objectively attractive—"

"Can't see him right now," Emily interrupted, fanning herself. "So I'll admire other masterpieces respectfully."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. Some things never changed.

Emily nudged her shoulder playfully. "Seriously though—working alongside someone that gorgeous all day? Doesn't it make your pulse race?"

Evelyn considered this. "We're not together constantly. And no, my heart rate stays normal."

"Impossible!" Emily refused to believe hormones could resist that level of attractiveness.

Evelyn clarified. "Only stock market fluctuations affect my pulse." Translation: money moved her more than men.

Emily blinked. Suddenly Donovan's infamous birthday gifts made sense—why he'd once shrugged and said, "I just give her a blank check." What couldn't Evelyn buy with unlimited funds?

Now Emily understood. Evelyn's tastes aligned perfectly with Wall Street brokers.

Evelyn's eyes sparkled with sudden enthusiasm. She grabbed Emily's wrist. "Want to learn investing? I can teach you about equities, liquid versus illiquid assets—"

Emily gulped. Evelyn's sincerity was terrifying. She absolutely would drag Emily into wealth-building schemes.

"I'll pass," Emily laughed weakly. "Some of us are happy being comfortably middle-class."