Chapter 441

In the warped stillness of four-dimensional space, Neil finally returned with a rope in hand, just in time to see Shermaine locked in fierce combat with the robot.

If they’d had anything with real firepower, the robot would’ve been scrap metal by now. But Shermaine’s reflexes more than made up for their lack of weaponry. Neil could only hope the rope he’d found, after what felt like an eternity of searching, was strong enough to be of use.

“Mrs. York! Got the rope!” he called out.

“Throw it!”

He waited for an opening, then hurled it across the space.

The robot wasn’t exactly brilliant. Its programming only allowed it to assess how dangerous something was. A quick scan of the rope showed a negligible threat level, so it just stood there, inert.

Then its arm morphed into a machine gun. “Target locked. Commencing fire.”

A hail of bullets tore through the air, but none found their mark.

Shermaine had already slipped into its blind spot. The robot kept firing into empty space, wasting ammunition. She landed behind it, spun once, and threw the rope with practiced ease. It looped cleanly over the machine’s head.

The instant the tension hit, the robot reacted, attempting to slice the rope off. But Shermaine yanked hard, and the lumbering body lost balance and crashed to the floor. In a few swift moves, she had it bound hand and foot.

The machine strained, but couldn’t break free. Just as it tried to lift its arm to cut itself loose, Shermaine slammed her boot down on the back of its head. Neil rushed in and grabbed its mechanical arm, pinning it.

Shermaine didn’t stop at one stomp. She crushed it underfoot several times before pausing. The robot’s red eyes blinked erratically, pulsing like a dying signal.

Only then did she crouch down and search along its back. Her fingers found a hidden switch. One press, and a compartment slid open. Inside was a block of glowing blue Energon Core, its purpose unclear, but clearly vital. She pulled it free, and immediately, the robot went dark with no power.

Crisis averted, Neil finally exhaled. “Mrs. York, I found some food in the ship’s cold storage.”

The fighter jet wasn’t completely wrecked. Its emergency systems were still active. The supplies were surprisingly fresh.

Shermaine nodded. “Neil, check if there’s a toolbox onboard.”

He left at once. Shermaine returned to the cockpit and pressed a red button. The jet’s main systems flickered back to life. She began scanning the controls, taking her time.

Soon, Neil returned with a heavy case of tools, wrenches, pliers, and spare parts.

“You’re planning to take it apart?”

“We, I want the chip in its head.”

Neil’s eyes lit up. “Let me. I love this kind of work.” He glanced at the lifeless machine and grinned to himself, thinking, ‘Let’s see what you’re made of, big guy.’

Meanwhile, back at the auction hall, Joshua had returned.

The room had grown tense and hushed. His presence carried weight, imposing and commanding. A faint smile played on Judy’s lips. Shermaine was turning out to be a flawless tool, just dangerous enough to keep Joshua dancing in her shadow.

And yet, the thought unsettled her. Shermaine meant far too much to him. A man like Joshua, genetically superior, almost flawless, shouldn’t be allowed to have weaknesses.

He absently ran a thumb over the wedding band on his finger. “What do you want?”

“First,” Judy said, “give me the booklet.”

Joshua said nothing, waiting.

“And second…” She looked him dead in the eye. “You’re going to divorce Shermaine, and leave with me.”