A voice, laced with teasing amusement, echoed from an intercom above.
"You're 8 minutes late. Looks like we'll have to deduct the promised money."
A vein visibly bulged on Alex's forehead.
"…Tch." He turned around, throwing up a hand in mock annoyance. "You know what? You guys can find someone else to go with. I'm leaving."
He spun on his heel with exaggerated drama.
Just then, another voice, more hurried and panicked, chimed in.
"Wait! Wait! We were joking!"
A sigh followed, then a half-serious scolding.
"Eve, don't push this idiot too far."
The gate let out a soft mechanical hiss and parted smoothly down the middle. Alex arched an eyebrow and stepped forward, entering a space that screamed wealth and technology intertwined.
As soon as he did, a smooth, feminine voice greeted him.
{"Mr. Alex, please wait a few moments. Miss Evelyn and Miss Alicia will be out shortly."}
Alex blinked, then muttered, 'An AI assistant? Just like my Zara.'
