CHAPTER 70: SIERA’S HIDDEN PLAN

Alaric nodded and elaborated, his explanation more in-depth now.

"This is a system built to assist patients, particularly those in recovery or with limited mobility. It can take over routine nursing duties. Administering meds on schedule, aiding light movement, monitoring vital signs, even stepping in during emergencies."

"In essence, sir, it’s not just a tool. It’s a genuine health companion."

Laskar leaned back, studying the diagram in silence. Every now and then he gave a small nod, as if mentally verifying a few points. Then, with a deeper breath, his tone became more serious.

"Alaric," he said, his voice low.

"I see where you’re going with this. But... we’ve tried something similar before. You’ve probably heard about our child-care robot project. That was one of the most challenging attempts we’ve ever made. And frankly, the failure left a mark. So if you’re bringing me another robot meant for human interaction, skepticism is only natural."

Siera glanced toward her boss, but the young man beside her didn’t flinch. If anything, he sat straighter, his tone just as steady.

"Mr. Langston, I completely understand your concern. But allow me to highlight something. A child-care robot and a caregiving robot are vastly different. A robot caring for children needs artificial instincts, empathy that mimics human emotion, and the ability to interpret unpredictable behavior from kids."

"That... is incredibly complex. In fact, I’d say it’s nearly impossible to perfect in the near term. But," Alaric paused, his tone intentional.

"A caregiving robot doesn’t need that level of complexity. Its tasks are more structured, more predictable. It can be handled with standard algorithms and properly integrated medical sensors. That’s the opportunity here. It’s more manageable, more feasible and still deeply impactful."

Laskar remained silent, clearly deep in thought. His eyes shifted from the diagram to Alaric. Something had shifted in him though traces of doubt still lingered, they were now intertwined with a growing sense of curiosity.

Alaric added, his tone softer now.

"But I also understand that I can’t do this alone. Maybe I have the idea, the vision, and the early blueprint. But the expertise, the technical data, the regulatory network. Those are things I know Brightmind Robotics has built over years."

"That’s why I came here. I want us to combine our strengths and capabilities."

He paused just long enough to let his next words land.

"And even though this system is intended to be fully automated, I’m not going to walk away and let it run without oversight. I’ll personally monitor the development and deployment process. If needed, I’ll be there on the ground, conducting regular reviews to make sure there’s no risk, no chaos, no harm done to the patients."

Inside the room, silence returned. But this time, it wasn’t cold. It felt more like the pause that comes when people are on the verge of reaching a mutual understanding.

Laskar’s hands were now clasped in front of him on the desk, his face showing signs of serious reflection.

He no longer looked at Alaric as a bold young entrepreneur with a headline worthy reputation. Instead, he was beginning to see someone with a sense of responsibility. Someone who might actually be ready to carry an idea like this all the way through.

Siera could feel the shift in atmosphere too. The formality that had wrapped the room at the beginning of the meeting had gradually evolved into something more intense, more personal. Alaric and Laskar weren’t just discussing business anymore. They were exploring the edges of what their two worlds could create, if brought together at the right moment.

Laskar took a brief breath, locking eyes with Alaric, his gaze firm yet calm.

"Alright, Alaric. We’re willing to work with you, because the potential you’ve laid out makes sense, and it sounds promising."

He paused for a moment before continuing, his voice more measured this time.

"But I still need approval from the Brightmind director first. This is a big decision, and I can’t just make it on my own. Once we get the green light, I’ll be the one handling the paperwork for the partnership."

The words lingered in the air of Laskar’s office, a kind of conclusion that wasn’t final, but certain enough to give Alaric reason to hope. It wouldn’t be easy, but the odds of success seemed high.

Alaric gave a small nod. There was no trace of disappointment on his face. If anything, he looked quietly relieved. To him, getting this far already felt like an achievement. He stood from his seat and offered a warm smile.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Langston," he said with a respectful tone.

Laskar stood as well and extended his hand. "You’re welcome," he replied simply. They shook hands firm, brief, and confident. A silent agreement that didn’t need elaborate words to seal it.

Alaric glanced over at Siera and gave her a subtle signal to get ready. Together, they walked out of the room, their footsteps in sync, leaving behind the office still echoing with traces of the serious conversation that had just unfolded. The door shut behind them with a soft, mechanical thud from the automatic lock.

The corridor leading to the elevator felt long. The office gave off a modern, cold vibe—typical of a large tech corporation. Alaric walked ahead, his gaze fixed straight ahead as if his thoughts had already moved on to the next stage of the plan.

Siera followed half a step behind. From the side, her eyes studied her boss’s face. His defined jawline, the focused intensity in his eyes, the unreadable expression he often wore. She couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of awe.

How could someone as young as Alaric. Someone who, at his age, should still be trying to figure life out. Have the courage to walk into a giant like Brightmind Robotics and propose a partnership? Not just walk in, but do so with confidence, offering to revive something the company had once failed to create.

Siera knew that most people would choose the safer route to avoid the risk, to steer clear of a company known for that particular failure. But Alaric wasn’t most people. He saw opportunity where others saw disaster. He saw potential where others turned away. And that’s what made him so compelling.

She took a quiet breath, holding back a smile so it wouldn’t show too much. In her mind, a new idea began to form.

Maybe... if she could get closer to Alaric, closer than just a professional relationship. Her life would become much easier.

Money, connections, influence. Alaric had them all. Just by standing beside him, she could become someone important.

But beneath that calculated thought, there was also genuine admiration. Siera realized it wasn’t just about wealth or status. There was something else about Alaric. His nerve, his vision, and the certainty he carried in everything he did.

She glanced at him again, still staring straight ahead, unaware of her gaze. Siera smiled faintly. A meaningful smile. A smile that carried intent. Alaric didn’t see it, but that didn’t matter. The smile was for her, a silent affirmation of the ambition slowly growing inside her.

The elevator at the end of the hallway chimed softly. The doors slid open with that familiar metallic sound. Alaric stepped in first, Siera close behind. Once the doors closed, the small space felt like a moment of quiet in the middle of a bustling corporate tower.

Alaric remained silent, lost in thought. Siera stared at the elevator panel as the numbers descended, then stole another glance at him. In her mind, she whispered to herself,

"You’re too intriguing, Alaric... and I want to be a part of your world."

---

Alaric leaned against the side of his sleek black car, his left hand still holding his phone, earphones tucked in his ears. The music he usually turned to for boredom now felt dull. He sighed softly and looked at his screen before his thumb moved to tap the icon of a game he hadn’t played in a week.

Within seconds, the screen lit up with colorful graphics. His eyes focused, even though it was just a virtual game. His fingers moved quickly, almost like he was controlling life and death in that tiny digital world.

Occasionally his lips curled into a faint smile, sometimes tightening when he was close to losing. Time seemed to slip by faster when he was that absorbed.

When the round finally ended, he let out a long breath, as if he’d just stepped out of another realm. He glanced at the watch on his left wrist. Ten minutes. It had already been ten minutes since he and Siera arrived at the restaurant. But she still hadn’t come back.

Lifting his gaze, Alaric scanned the parking lot. Other cars came and went, people moved past them, some entering the restaurant looking hungry. But still no sign of Siera.

He closed the game, slipped the phone into his pocket, and stood up straight.

"What’s taking her so long?" he muttered, his voice low, nearly drowned out by the hum of traffic. A mix of confusion, and perhaps... a hint of suspicion, crossed his mind.

Deciding to go check, he made his way past the line of parked cars. Once he entered the back area of the restaurant, his pace slowed.