Jilted Ex-wife Billionaire Heiress

Chapter 80 People Person

I'll get you a backup battery pack and his instructional manual, Brooke said.

Thank you, Darya smiled.

Reece parted ways with Darya at the building's carpark. I'm heading back to my office. See you at next week's meeting

See you.' Darya placed Marshmallow in the front seat and, at his insistence, put the seatbelt on him

The pup couldn't sit still.

Like a typical dog, he kept sticking his head out the window until Darya had tonoveldrama

order him to stop.

'Mommy, are we going to your house? Marshmallow's voice went up a pitch as he grew more arimated

His stubby tail thumped against the seat.

Mommy? Darya shot him a surprised look. "My name's Darya.'

But you are adopting me,' Marshmallow said solemnly. 'According to my database, the female person who becomes the custodian of a child through adoption is the legal mother of that child."

Um, first of all, you are not a child,' Darya pointed out. 'Secondly, I'm not adopting you. You are just coming to

live with me for a while.'

She added after a pause, 'Shouldn't you call Brooke your mommy? She created you, after all.'

'She created the battery I use,' Marshmallow argued. 'A team of engineers created my body."

Darya conceded the point. 'Fine. Still, I don't think I qualify as your mother. Your database probably needs

updating."

Marshmallow fell silent, probably updating the aforementioned database.

Darya drove to Callan's apartment to make the dinner date with her brother.

She unlocked the front door with the keycard Callan gave her and was greeted with the sight of a shirtless man strutting around with just a towel wrapped around his waist.

His biceps and back muscles flexed as he reached for something on a high shelf. His short hair was damp from a shower.

Drops of water flowed down from his chest, over his flat stomach and disappeared into the towel.

Darya let out a wolf whistle. 'I could get a boatload of money if I sell a picture of you like this to the tabloids."

Callan turned around. 'I thought you abandoned me.'

0.0%

20.56

mo

III O

O <

'We still have that dinner date, remember?

Callan's gaze came to rest on something near Darya's feet. You said you had to take care of banners

'Uh-huh' Darya closed the door

'Did that business involve buying a puppy?

'What?' Darys looked down. 'Oh, say hi to Marshmallow

Is the puppy for me?' Callan frowned. I don't have time for a pet.

'It's not for you.'

'I'm not a pet!' Marshmallow said at the same time.

Callan's eyes widened. 'Did that dog just talk?"

He blinked. 'Am I dreaming? I must still be suffering from jetlag

Marshmallow trotted forward, 'I am an Al-powered robotic canine companion. My name's Marshmallow, and I'm four months old. Darya is my keeper and foster mother, though she refuses to acknowledge the second title."

He tilted his head up. 'Who are you?'

Callan stared at the puppy, his mouth hanging open.

Marshmallow jumped onto the sofa and circled a spot before settling down. I'd like

a glass of orange juice,

please.'

Darya laughed. 'You can't drink orange juice.'

'I'm just following social conventions,' Marshmallow said seriously.

He inclined his head to look at Callan. 'Are you the owner of this house? It's good

manners for the host to offer the guest a refreshing beverage.'

Callan moved towards Marshmallow as if sleepwalking.

He picked up the dog single-handedly and shook it. 'This feels real.'

'Hey! Put me down!' Marshmallow barked.

'You have fur,' Callan said in amazement as he stroked the dog's back. 'You can talk.'

'Of course I can! Which part of "Al-powered robotic canine companion" do you not understand?' Marshmallow was indignant. 'Darya, Mommy, help!'

'Mommy?' Callan grew even more confused.

Darya cleared her throat. 'His programming needs some tweaking.'

She rescued the puppy from Callan. 'Go get dressed. Our dinner reservation's at seven thirty.'

'Is this a new product of the Paragon Group?' Callan couldn't tear his eyes away from the dog. 'It's so real!'

'It's a prototype from a lab I'm working with. Reece Cooke loaned it to me for a beta test.'

33.0%

20:56

III O

<

< Chapter 80 People Person

'Can I have one?' Callan rubbed his palms together, suddenly intrigued. I've always wanted a cool robot. Does it come in other shapes? I want an Optimum Prime.'

'You want a suit and a tie,' Darya poked her brother in the ches Hurry up and get dressed.

'Can I take it with me?'

Darya sighed. 'Marshmallow, will you please go with my brother so he carnally get dressed like an adult?

'Yes, Mommy!' Marshmallow hopped down from the sofa, thrilled to have something to do.

'Your name's Marshmallow?' Callan bent at the waist and followed the puppy's paw steps.

'Yes. I already introduced myself earlier. Now it's your turn.'

'Are you really just four months old?'

'According to my internal digital calendar, yes, though it doesn't include the time I spent in development and testing. You haven't told me your name.'

'It's Callan. Callan McAllister.'

'According to my database, your name means "powerful in battle." Are you a soldier?'

'No, I'm a singer, much to my dad's disappointment,' Callan laughed. 'Do you know what a singer is?'

'Of course. I can sing as well.'

'Oh yeah? Show me.'

Darya listened to her 25-year-old brother chat amiably with a 4-month-old

robotic dog

The two had obviously hit it off.

She often marvelled at her brother's ability to make friends with anyone, humans and non-humans alike.

Unlike her, he was a people person.

Darya sat cross-legged on the sofa and texted her assistant to update him about

the visit to the Gerber Lab.

Reece's intention was clear.

He wanted to showcase Solaro's research capabilities and convince Darya to inject more funds into the joint

project.

Darya had to admit, she was tempted.

Marshmallow's performance so far had impressed her.

He was far superior to any companion robot she'd seen on the market-more

intelligent, more lifelike, and more interactive.

Given Marshmallow's adorable design, Darya could envision an entire line of such personal healthcare companion robots for children, especially those who were

bedridden due to severe illness.

100.0%