Chapter 545

Mayson scoffed. “He’s so busy, he can’t even pick up the phone.”

Caden subtly shifted the conversation. “What’s your favorite feature of the Q Robot?”

Mayson’s expression softened. “I got it for my grandson. It’s safer than hiring a housekeeper and does so much more—especially the educational features and bedtime routines. My grandson loves it.”

Caden thought of Alicia’s soft, soothing voice. He’d only heard it a couple of times, but it had left a lasting impression. That voice, meant to calm him, was now soothing other people’s grandchildren, thanks to Corey’s interference. A flicker of irritation crossed him, quickly dismissed. He was annoyed with himself for even thinking of her. Ridiculous.

After their conversation, Caden returned to the company. Leaning back in his chair, legs crossed, he flipped through the documents.

Hank asked, “So, Mr. Ward, should we make a move?”

Caden looked up, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He clearly understood Corey’s weaknesses, and this seemed the perfect moment to strike. “No need to act,” he replied calmly. “Corey’s problems are unraveling on their own.”

Hank looked puzzled. “What do you mean, Mr. Ward?”

Caden leaned back, his expression cool. “My chip design is traditional—Corey knows it inside and out, so he felt comfortable selling it without hesitation. But Alicia’s improvements? They require live input, something Corey didn’t anticipate. To fix the current issues, he’d need to scrap his changes and have Alicia re-record her work from scratch.”

Hank’s eyes widened in understanding. “Then he’s in real trouble. Ms. Bennett would never agree to help him.”

A smirk tugged at Caden’s lips. “Alicia’s added features go beyond soothing; she painstakingly developed unique aspects that children love. Corey’s keeping a low profile because he can’t bear to abandon the current version, and he certainly can’t convince Alicia to fix it for him.”

Hank paused. “Why doesn’t Corey just find someone with a similar voice to Alicia’s? Or use AI to replicate it?”

Caden shook his head. “Alicia’s voice and talent are unique; they can’t be replicated. No one else could match her touch.”

Hank nodded, muttering, “True, it’s hard to imitate… maybe that’s why she has such an effect on you.”

Caden shot him a look. “What was that?”

Hank straightened quickly. “Nothing, sir. Just clearing my throat.”

As they started the car, Hank added thoughtfully, “Corey’s resourceful. Do you think he might try to reach out to Ms. Bennett in secret?”

Only Alicia could make the necessary modifications, and time was running out. The longer Corey delayed, the more restless his clients became—a risk he couldn’t afford.

Caden closed the file, his tone calm but firm. “If she dares to help him, I’ll make sure she regrets it.”

Meanwhile, in her office, Alicia sneezed unexpectedly. She rubbed her nose, glancing up at the air conditioning vent.