Chapter 3

Security quickly arrived, dragging Brenda out by her arms. She struggled, cursing me for being heartless, for leaving her to die.

I ignored her, dragged Chloe's number into my block list, and turned to get a glass of ice water.

As it slid down my throat, it brought back memories of that farce a month ago.

It was Brenda's birthday.

I'd spent all afternoon in the kitchen, preparing a feast.

Brenda, however, took one bite and slammed her fork on the table.

"Why is this steak so salty? Are you trying to kill me with salt?"

She stood up and wheeled out a silver-colored companion AI robot from the room behind her.

"This is Aidan, my perfect son-in-law, bought with a fortune! I've had enough of your clumsy self."

Brenda pressed the power button.

Aidan immediately emerged with essential oils, a pre-programmed voice saying, "Brenda, you've worked so hard. Let me massage your feet."

Brenda looked at me triumphantly, her eyes full of provocation.

Chloe sat on the couch, half-closed eyes enjoying the AI's shoulder and neck massage, humming in comfort.

Relatives watched from the sidelines.

Chloe didn't even lift an eyelid, scoffing aloud for everyone to hear.

"Mom's right. You're not even as good as a machine, always frowning. Anyone would think someone owed you money."

"If only you were half as obedient and sensible as Aidan, I wouldn't dread coming home every day."

That night, I saw their rotten core, right down to the bone.

I didn't argue, didn't lose my temper.

I just calmly went back to my room, packed my things, slapped the signed divorce papers on Chloe's face, and moved out of that repulsive house that very night.

Back to reality, my colleagues were still whispering.

I took a deep breath, sat back at my desk, and was about to get back to work when Mr. Davies, my department manager, called me into his office.

"Liam, I heard all about what happened earlier."

Mr. Davies handed me a thick file, his expression serious.

"That AI your ex-wife's family bought? It's the exact model our company is contracted to oversee for ethical compliance."

"We've seen unusually frequent backend data anomalies these past few days. We suspect that model AI has been illegally hacked, developing rogue self-awareness."

"Management has decided to grant you paid leave, requiring you to investigate and record findings in an official capacity, with our equipment."

I took the file, a slight smile playing on my lips.

"Don't worry, Mr. Davies, I'll get the job done."

I was happy to take on such a 'relaxed' assignment. Getting paid by the company to watch my ex-in-laws make fools of themselves? Why not?

After work, I sat in the coffee shop downstairs, pulling up the smart home surveillance on my phone that I hadn't gotten around to unlinking yet.

The screen buffered.

I took a sip of my coffee, and the moment my eyes hit the screen, I almost spit it out.

I stared intently at the screen, witnessing a scene that shattered my entire worldview.