Chapter 1

  The closet door was wide open, and half my wardrobe was already spread across the bed.

  I stood in my black lace underwear, staring at the chaos, arms crossed, trying to decide which outfit would project exactly the right image.

  Smart. Confident. But not trying too hard.

  Paolo was still in bed, propped up on one elbow, watching me with an amused smirk.

  “Amore, at this rate, you’ll be late.”

  I huffed and pulled a sleek black dress off the hanger, slipping it on. Simple. Elegant. Professional. Too much? Not enough?

  I turned toward him, tilting my head.

  “What do you think? Does this say ‘brilliant AI architect’ or ‘trying to impress the boss’?”

  Paolo stretched lazily, his well - built torso uncovered, his bottom half still under the sheets.

  “It says, ‘My wife is the most beautiful woman in the company.’”

  I rolled my eyes. “Helpful.”

  He sat up, watching me critically. “Wear the other one. The formal one.”

  I sighed and pulled it on—a structured navy dress, more conservative, definitely more executive. I examined myself in the mirror.

  Paolo made a face. “No, no, I changed my mind. Wear the black one. You look hot.”

  I groaned, pulling it back off and changing into the black dress again. Why was I making such a big deal about this?

  Paolo chuckled and climbed out of bed, totally naked, stepping up behind me, his hands settling on my waist as he whispered into my ear,

  “You’re going to kick ass, amore.” Then he pinched my butt and dodged my swat as he disappeared into the bathroom.

  I shook my head, exhaling sharply. He wasn’t wrong. Today was huge. The All - Hands meeting wasn’t just any corporate gathering - it was where

  Victor Sterling himself would be announcing the future of Project Ikaros. And he was putting me – me - front and center.

  By the time I slipped on my heels and grabbed my bag, my stomach was tight with nerves. Not bad nerves - good ones.

  The kind that made me feel sharp, alive, ready.

  I stepped into my Edison self - driving car, and the system greeted me in a pleasant female voice.

  "Good morning, Nora. Destination: Singularity Corporate Headquarters?"

  "Yes," I muttered, leaning back as the car pulled smoothly out of the driveway. Normally, I would have spent the drive reading emails, scanning research papers, or reviewing AI model performance metrics. But today, my mind was too restless.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Instead, I turned on a podcast.

  "Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing every aspect of our lives…"

  I half-listened as the host debated whether AI would replace human jobs entirely or merely enhance human capabilities. Some expert was saying something predictable:

  "AI can’t replace creativity. It can’t make complex decisions the way humans do."

  I let out a short laugh. Oh, if only they knew how close we were.

  Then, the second host chuckled and chimed in:

  "You know, this reminds me of a joke. Two friends are walking for hours in the African savannah. They get tired and stop to rest, take off their shoes, and start making coffee over a small bonfire. Then suddenly, they see a huge lion approaching. One of them jumps up, ready to run for his life. The other calmly starts putting on his shoes. The first guy yells, ‘Do you really think putting on shoes will help you outrun the lion?’ And his friend grins, ‘No, I just need to run faster than you.’"

  The first host laughed. "And that, my friends, is exactly how AI works in the workplace. The lion is progress. Technology. It doesn’t have to outrun you - you have to outrun your colleagues. Adapt. Use AI. Make it your tool. Otherwise, you’re just another slow runner about to be eaten alive by corporate efficiency."

  I smirked. Corporate efficiency. The polite way of saying, We don't need you anymore.

  When the car reached the freeway, I tapped the call button and said” Call Mom.”

  She picked up immediately. “Nora, hi, sweetheart! Are you on your way to work?”

  “Yeah,” I said, exhaling. “Big day.”

  “Oh, I know,” she said warmly. “Paolo told me. He’s very proud of you, you know.”

  I smiled despite myself. “I know.”

  "You nervous?"

  "A little."

  "Good. It means it matters," she said simply. "You’re going to do great, sweetheart. You always do."

  I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling warmth spread through me.

  "Thanks, Mom."

  " Now go out there and show them what you're made of - the right stuff, the kind that built legends."

  I grinned. "I will."

  I ended the call just as Singularity Headquarters came into view - its towering glass facade gleaming under the morning sun.

  My car slowed to a smooth stop. I grabbed my bag, adjusted my dress one last time, and stepped out.

  Time to make history.