bChapter /bb336 /b

The robot emerged through the doorway, rolling over the fallen door with surprising agility. Its spherical body gleamed under bthe /blights, various mechanical arms extended from its core.

“Maxi?‘ Ethan said, surprised to see it there.

The robot sped directly to Jade, its electronic eyes somehow conveying emotion despite its mechanical nature–two blue lights that seemed to widen with recognition. When it spoke, the voice was undeniably Ethan’s–deep, confident, and unmistakable.

“Master, I’ve finally found you,” Maxi said.

It took Jade’s hand with its mechanical arm, the metal fingers gently curling around her human ones.

Night’s jaw tightened visibly, a muscle twitching at his templeb. /bHe forced a calm tone as he addressed Jadeb, /bthough his eyes never left the robot. “Baby, be good, change the voice. Make it mine.”

Jade’s face remained perfectlyposed, not a flicker of emotion betraying her. “It’s just a system malfunctionb,/bb” /bshe said dismissively.

The robot immediately contradicted her, its mechanical head tilting slightly. “Master, I have no malfunction.b” /b

Feeling Ethan’s gaze on her, she pulled her hand away from the robot and said with uncharacteristic abruptness, “bIf /bbI /bbsay /byou’re malfunctioning, you’re malfunctioning–change your voice.”

“Currently unable to find alternative voice options, Master,” the robot responded matter–of–factly, its blue eyes blinking once.

A brief sh of realization crossed Jade’s face–she had only programmed one voice option.

Quickly recovering herposure, Jade changed the subject, her voice returning to its normal controlled tone. “Where’s Miguel?”

“Locked up,” Night answered, still ring at the robot.

“Release him,” Jademanded, the order leaving no room for argument.

Night’s expression darkened with jealousy, his possessiveness bubbling to the surface. “Baby, why do you care about him? Who is he anyway? Why did he call you Mrs. Haxton?” Thest question was practically spat out.

Ethan’s eyes brightened instantly, interest clearly piqued. “Mrs. Haxton?” he repeated, the hint of a smile ying at his lips.

“Shut up!” Night shouted at him, rage momentarily overtaking hisposure.

Ethan ignored Night entirely, simply offering Jade a small, knowing smile that spoke volumes.

Chris intervened, ever the peacemaker, pping his hands together onceb. /b“Alright, Jade just arrived–haven’t had dinner yet? Let’s eat bfirst /band then discuss businessb./b”

Jade turned toward the dining room without hesitation.

Night gritted his teeth but quickly switched to a smile for Jade. “This way, baby.”

10:37 Frib, /bbOct /b3 M fndb1b Fresh chapters posted on find(?)ovel/fndb1b

He extended his arm to put around Jade’s shoulders while simultaneously instructing his men with a cold nce, “Escort Mr. Haxton out/

Two guards moved to block Ethan’s path, their stances widening as they prepared to physically remove him if necessary.

Jade turned around, deftly avoiding Night’s arm with a subtle sidestep. “He’s eating with us. After dinner, he’ll rest,” she stated, her tone making it clear this wasn’t a suggestion.

Ethan nodded slightly. “Mm.” The simple acknowledgment carried a hint of satisfaction.

Night’s expression instantly turned cold, fury evident in his eyes even as he struggled to maintain control for Jade’s sake.

Chris sighed audibly and put his arm around Night’s shoulders, guiding him firmly toward the dining room.

As they walked, Chris said loudly, “He may have his faults, but he did save Jade after all.”

He continued reasonably, “You may not wee him, but you should respect Jade’s wishes, right?”

Night elbowed Chris hard in the ribs. “Whose side are you on?” he hissed.

Chris winced, rubbing his side. “Damn you.”

He pushed Night into the dining room with more force than necessary.

Now free to move, Ethan approached Jade with measured steps, reaching for her hand with casual confidence.

The robot glided over, positioning itself between them. “Master.”

Jade promptly pulled her hand away from Ethan’s reach, shoving it into her pocket as she walked toward the dining room. Her actions made it clear she was taking out her embarrassment on him, punishing him for witnessing her moment of vulnerability.

Ethan remained where he stood, a knowing smile ying on his lips as he watched the robot follow closely behind Jade.

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