Chapter 27

"It's not your child they're terminating, of course you wouldn't understand my distress!"

The doctor observed Evelyn Thorne's heightened emotions and recognized the gravity of the situation. His tone softened immediately. "Miss Thorne, my deepest apologies. My earlier choice of words was inappropriate. Please, have a seat and calm yourself with some water while I investigate this matter."

After pouring her a glass, the physician hurried to consult his superiors.

Thirty tense minutes later, he returned with unsettling news. "Miss Thorne, are you acquainted with Bianca Chamberlain? She's the individual who accessed your medical records."

The revelation struck like lightning. Without another word, Evelyn stormed out of St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Who would have imagined Bianca Chamberlain viewed her as such a threat? The woman clearly saw her as vermin needing extermination.

But Evelyn wasn't about to play the victim.

Retribution would come - swift and merciless.

Thornfield Industries

Evelyn entered her father's executive suite where Vincent Holloway had been anxiously awaiting.

"Evelyn, I summoned you for two critical matters," the vice president said, offering her a steaming mug. "Adrian Vaughn has altered his proposal. Initially interested in investment, he now wants to acquire our entire company for one billion."

Evelyn studied Vincent's troubled expression. "That's significantly undervalued, isn't it?"

"In our prime, we wouldn't entertain such an insulting offer," Vincent admitted, adjusting his glasses. "But currently... it's marginally above market value. The greater concern is Vaughn intends to dismantle our core operations. Simply put, he wants to scrap our autonomous vehicle division entirely."

Evelyn's brow furrowed. "Then why purchase us at all?"

"Our Cerebra System holds immense potential beyond transportation," Vincent explained. "Artificial intelligence applications extend to robotics, drone technology, and more. Your father poured over a billion into its development."

The weight of her inheritance pressed upon Evelyn's shoulders. Her father hadn't left her a failing company - he'd entrusted her with a technological revolution.

Her vision blurred momentarily. Could she possibly fulfill such expectations?

"There's more," Vincent continued, moving toward the bookcase. "Development halted when your father fell ill because he alone possessed the final components." He pressed a concealed button.

The bookshelf slid away, revealing a hidden chamber containing an imposing safe. "We've consulted numerous experts, but none can crack it. Evelyn, did your father ever mention the combination?"

Stepping inside, Evelyn's breath caught. A family portrait dominated the wall - Richard, Clara, and herself, frozen in happier times. The sight brought unexpected tears. Her father had remembered their fractured family after all.

"Listen," Vincent's voice turned conspiratorial, "if we can't salvage Thornfield, let's liquidate the Cerebra System privately. We'd both walk away wealthy. Bankruptcy would be more profitable than Vaughn's paltry offer."

His greedy glint triggered Evelyn's internal alarms. This wasn't business advice - this was treachery.