Director Kaelen's eye twitched uncontrollably. He knew this sadistic doctor was intentionally sabotaging him.
Nicholas maintained his chilling smirk, his dark eyes entirely devoid of emotion as he stared at the director. "I made myself clear. I demand flawless merchandise. If Project Zero-Transit doesn't even have the spine to disclose the true condition of its assets, then I highly doubt this so-called 'grand finale' is worth my time."
A cold sweat broke out on Kaelen's neck.
The Sterling Sovereign was the absolute authority of The Merchant's Quarter.
If he left this exhibition disappointed, word would spread through the high-stakes ballroom in seconds.
This entire voyage would be a catastrophic failure.
If these Living Assets didn't trigger a massive bidding war...
He would be executed by the syndicate executives.
Kaelen forced a smile that looked more like a grimace. "Of course not, sir. The Syndicate prides itself on total transparency with our esteemed buyers."
He shot a pleading, desperate look at Serena. "Since Your Excellency is acting as the medical consultant, it is naturally your duty to alleviate Mr. Sterling Sovereign's concerns. Please, give him the absolute truth regarding the asset."
He ground his teeth on the words 'absolute truth', practically begging her to play along.
Serena ignored the hint entirely. She drawled in a lazy, arrogant tone, "The truth is, Specimen Seven's baseline is fine right now. But... it is a Semi-Finished Asset, which means it isn't permanently stable."
"This isn't just a shiny new toy."
"It's a sentient organism. It can be triggered by sudden noises, flashing lights, extreme temperature shifts, stray frequencies, and, of course... some people's staggering stupidity."
The veins in Kaelen's forehead throbbed.
Staggering stupidity? Was she openly insulting the ship's administration?
Nicholas arched an eyebrow. "Some people?"
Serena looked directly at Specimen Seven and smiled viciously. "For example, people who like to poke things they have no business touching."
Nicholas got the message loud and clear.
She was warning him not to provoke Specimen Seven.
At least, not right now.
The ship had too much surveillance, and the asset was barely holding together.
If all hell broke loose, the security forces would immediately lock onto the two of them.
Nicholas nodded smoothly. "It seems I'd better behave myself, then."
Serena laughed softly. "A compliant VIP saves me a lot of headaches."
Director Kaelen was completely paralyzed by the absurdity of the exchange. Compliant?
Did she just call the deadliest man on the dark web compliant?!
And he wasn't instantly snapping her neck?!
Kaelen felt like he couldn't breathe.
He stole a glance at the billionaire, then back at the terrifying doctor.
Somehow, the two of them standing side-by-side felt infinitely more dangerous than the monstrous Specimen Seven.
But time was running out. He had to convince The Sterling Sovereign that their product was a masterpiece.
Only with this man's endorsement could they drive the bidding war they desperately needed.
Gritting his teeth, Kaelen forged
ahead. "Mr. Sterling Sovereign, as
Specimen Sever's vitals are
currently secure, we can now proceed to demonstrate its basic
reflex capabilities."
Serena, who had been leaning lazily against the console, immediately d to attention Basic reflex Capabilities?
Kaelen's heart sank to his stomach.
He was genuinely terrified every time the doctor opened her mouth.
Because whenever this oracle of disaster spoke, things immediately spiraled out of control.
But with the billionaire watching, he
had to keep smiling. "Indeed. A buyer
My As the true powerofa
Living Asser with their own eyes