Chapter 5: The Last Person On Earth

Evelyn Carter had survived some of the worst situations in business. Ruthless investors, boardroom betrayals, billion-dollar deals that required her to fly across the world with only three hours of sleep.

But nothing—not even hostile corporate takeovers—prepared her for this.

Sitting across from Ji-Ah Park, in a classified Pentagon meeting, being told that they had to work together.

She should've walked out. She should've laughed in their faces and told them exactly where to shove their project.

Instead, she leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, and forced a polite smile. "I assume this is a joke?"

The general leading the briefing didn't look amused. "Not a joke, Miss Carter."

Evelyn's eyes flicked to Ji-Ah. She was calm, unreadable, her expression giving nothing away.

Of course, she was. Ji-Ah never showed her hand first.

Evelyn turned back to the general. "You do realize Infinity Dynamics and Novacore are direct competitors?"

"We do."

"And you want us to integrate our AI models—together?"

"Yes."

Evelyn let out a slow breath through her nose, willing herself to stay professional. "General, I don't think you understand—"

"I do understand," he cut her off. "I understand that both of you are the best in your field. I understand that, separately, you've developed AI systems that could change the future of defense technology. And I understand that neither of you are stupid enough to walk away from a billion-dollar government contract just because you don't like each other."

Silence.

Evelyn hated to admit it, but the man had a point.

She exhaled, fixing Ji-Ah with a sharp look. "Well?"

Ji-Ah tilted her head slightly. "I can work with anyone, Miss Carter. The question is—can you?"

God, Evelyn hated her.

But she hated losing more.