Marvin’s throat tightened as his uncle’s question hung in the air. He forced himself to look calm, even though he could feel his pulse racing.“Um, yeah… um, I mean, who? Who are you talking about?” Marvin stammered, trying to sound confused. His voice cracked slightly, betraying his nerves.Pa Christopher turned toward him, his sharp eyes were narrowed as if he could see right through Marvin’s feeble attempt at acting clueless.“You like her, don’t you?” Pa Christopher asked, his voice was calm but pointed.“Who?” Marvin furrowed his brows, feigning ignorance. “I don’t know what you’re talking about uncle.”“Helena, of course,” his uncle said matter-of-factly, the faintest hint of a smile tugged at his lips.Marvin felt as though the ground beneath him had shifted. His heart pounded in his chest, but he refused to give in.“No! No, Uncle, that’s ridiculous,” Marvin said quickly, shaking his head. “I don’t… I don’t like her. She’s my cousin. And a cyborg. That would be… it’s impossibl

Pa Christopher took a deep breath, his face darkened as he continued the story. “According to Helena,” he began slowly, “it happened one evening. Her foster father came into her room. He wanted to… take advantage of her again.”Marvin’s fists clenched at his sides, anger began bubbling up as he imagined the scene. He didn’t interrupt, though. He wanted to hear everything.“She told me that night she hated him more than ever before. She was tired of being his victim,” Pa Christopher said, his voice was steady but it was filled with restrained emotion. “When he tried to force himself on her, she fought back—scratched, slapped, bit him. She struggled as hard as she could.”Marvin’s grip on the railing tightened as he listened, his heart pounding.“While she fought him, she said something happened,” Pa Christopher continued. “She focused on him, on his wicked eyes, with everything inside her—her anger, her hatred, her desperation. And then…” He paused, looking Marvin in the eye.“What hap

Marvin exhaled sharply, his grip on the railing loosening as he made up his mind. Enough hesitating. If there was ever a moment to talk to Helena, this was it. He straightened his back, steeling himself, and made his way downstairs, his footsteps echoed faintly in the quiet atrium.As he approached Helena, who was seated with her back to him, he noticed something unexpected. Her phone was propped up in her metallic hands, and she was watching something intently. Marvin slowed his stride, curious. Peeking over her shoulder, he caught a glimpse of the screen.It was a romantic movie. Two of the characters were cuddled close, their faces inches apart, lost in each other’s eyes.Marvin blinked, momentarily surprised. The sight of Helena, a composed and seemingly unshakable cyborg, watching something so tender and emotional struck a chord in him. For a moment, he forgot what he wanted to say.Finally, he cleared his throat. “Hello, Helena,” he greeted, his voice was warm but slightly h

Marvin’s heart was still pounding as he lowered the phone from his ear. The weight of the news pressed against his chest, but he quickly masked his frustration, turning back to Helena.“Um, Helena…” he began, his voice was steady but tinged with regret. “Something just came up. My drivers are stranded on the road because of some… issue.” He hesitated, meeting her gaze, reluctant to leave her. “I… I’ll see you later, alright?”Helena tilted her head slightly, concern flickered in her radiant eyes, but she didn’t press him. “Alright, Marvin. Be careful out there,” she said softly.Marvin gave her a quick nod, wanting to lean down and kiss her on the cheek but thinking better of it. Instead, he took a step back, pulling up his phone. As he walked briskly towards the exit of the room, he dialed his driver.“Hello Simeon, ready the vehicle,” he said firmly. “We’re heading to the Neovalle Business Regulation Council office. Also, alert my assistant to prepare a few executive staff members

Mr. Hirsch let out a long breath, with his eyes briefly locking with that of Marvin. "Mr. Richmond, like I said before, I’m afraid I cannot disclose that information. The council operates with confidentiality to ensure impartiality," he said, with an unwavering tone.Marvin didn’t flinch. Instead, he leaned back slightly and folded his arms, with his calm exterior masking his growing frustration. "Mr. Hirsch, I can’t deny that we faced a serious glitch in the past that threatened to shake the foundation of my company. However, I can assure you that my products, which are supposed to reach the market, have been thoroughly tested and confirmed safe. The risks of causing damage to final consumers are minimal at best."Hirsch raised an eyebrow, and skepticism was clear on his face. "How do I know what you say is true? How am I to be sure this isn’t just desperation talking, a ploy to see your products out there in the market regardless of the consequences?"Marvin’s eyes narrowed slightl