Chapter Seventy-Two

Morning light filtered softly through the high windows of the Lewis mansion, casting sliver streaks across the room. The silence of dawn was slowly giving way to the stirrings of a new day. Birds chirped outside, and the distant hum of staff beginning their morning routines echoed faintly from the lower floors.

Esther stood quietly in the doorway of Betty's room, a fond smile tugging at her lips. The little girl was still curled beneath her comforter, her breathing slow and even, her cheek pressed into the pillow.

Esther tiptoed inside, holding a paper gift bag in one hand. She sat gently at the edge of the bed and reached out to brush a stray curl from Betty's face.

"Sunflower," she whispered softly. "Sunflower , it's morning."

Betty stirred, blinking sleepily. "Mmm… mom?" her voice was still thick with sleep, but a smile began to form as recognition set in. She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. "You're awake."

"Yes," Esther said warmly, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "And I brought you something."

Betty's eyes widened, fully awake now. "Really?, I was going to wake you yesterday but dad won't let me"

Esther chuckled, handing her the bag with a teasing smile. "From the island. I saw these and thought of you."

Betty opened it eagerly, her face lighting up as she pulled out a bright seashell necklace, a cute handwoven purse, and a small journal with hand-painted floral designs. "Wow! These are so pretty! Thank you!"

"You're welcome, sweetheart," Esther said, beaming. "Now come on, let's get you ready for school."

"Can't I not attend today?" She asked with a pleading pout

"Sunflower," Esther cautiously called, hiding her hand "you have to. Exams at the corner"

Betty sighed defeatedly "fine" she said clutching her new treasures to her chest, Esther helped her out of bed and into the bathroom, gently guiding her to the bathroom. She laid out the school uniform, combed Betty's hair into two neat braids, and tied the ends with colorful ribbons from the trip.

As they moved together through the familiar rhythm of a school morning, Esther felt a warm contentment settle over her. It felt natural, comforting, like something she could grow into more and more each day.

Betty glanced up at her as they made their way downstairs for breakfast. "I missed you, Esther."

Esther smiled and squeezed her hand. "I missed you too."

Downstairs, the long dining table was already set. The soft clinking of cutlery and the faint scent of brewed coffee filled the air. Daniel was seated at the head of the table, dressed in a crisp navy-blue suit, flipping through his tablet between sips of his drink. His presence was composed, but his eyes lifted the moment he heard footsteps descending the stairs.

Esther entered first, with Betty just behind her, looking neat and polished in her uniform, her braids swinging with each step.

"Good morning," Daniel greeted, his tone warming instantly. "Someone looks ready to win the day."

Betty smirked as she took her seat. "I always am. And Esther helped with my braids, they're from the island."

Daniel looked at the ribbons, then at Esther with a knowing smile. "You really did spoil her, didn't you?"

"She deserves it," Esther replied, pouring herself a glass of fresh juice. "Besides, I couldn't resist half the things I saw."

A steward entered silently to place a plate in front of Betty, fluffy pancakes topped with fresh fruit, and another in front of Esther. Daniel's plate was already half-cleared.

"So," he said, folding his napkin. "I'll be heading out in a bit. Big week ahead. Final prep for the investor board meeting."

Esther nodded. "Want me to drop by the office later?"

His eyes flicked to her, gaze softening. "I'd like that."

Betty, in between bites, looked between them with exaggerated suspicion. "You two are being very couple-y this morning."

Esther chuckled while Daniel leaned over and gently tapped the top of her head. "Good observation, Detective Lewis."

Betty grinned triumphantly. "Just saying. I see things."

Daniel stood and checked his watch. "Alright, little genius, finish your food. Matthew will take you to school in ten."

"Um, Esther's mom will do that," Betty piped up, glancing at Esther. "She promised."

Daniel's eyes shifted to Esther, one brow raised.

She gave a sheepish smile. "Yeah, I have to stop by the school. Betty's professor requested a quick meeting."

Daniel's expression softened. "That's good. What about dropping by the office later?" he asked, holding her to her earlier words.

Esther smiled, a little ruefully. "I was just teasing you. Of course I'll come by."

"Good," he said simply, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he leaned down and kissed the top of Betty's head. "Be good."

"I'm always good," Betty said matter-of-factly.

Esther turned slightly to meet his eyes. "Be safe."

He nodded and exited the dining room with purposeful steps, already slipping back into his CEO mode.

"Okay, you two, hurry up or you'll be late," Lady Bell said, rising from her chair and heading into the kitchen.

Just then, as Esther was wrapping up with breakfast and keeping an eye on the clock, Mather stepped into the room.

"Ma'am, your mother is here to see you," she announced gently.

Esther turned swiftly, her face lighting up as she spotted her mother. She set the glass down and rushed toward her with a broad smile, wrapping her arms tightly around her.

"Ma," she whispered, feeling the familiar comfort of her mother's embrace.

"You look so happy," Musu said, returning the hug warmly. "How was your honeymoon?"

"Wonderful," Esther said, still holding onto her as they walked back toward the dining table.

"Musu," Lady Bell's voice chimed in as she re-entered the room, carrying a small tray.

"Bella, good morning. I apologize for the unexpected visit," Musu offered politely.

"Oh please, we're family now. You're always welcome here," Lady Bell replied graciously, then called out, "Mather, have my sister served breakfast, please."

Mather gave a courteous nod and disappeared into the kitchen. Musu hesitated for a moment but gave a small, appreciative smile, unable to refuse such warm hospitality.

"I presume you're here to speak with your daughter," Lady Bell said after a brief silence, reading between the lines. "Betty and I will be upstairs in the sitting room," she added, reaching for the child's hand. "Come on, sunshine."

"Okay," Betty said, clutching her journal and following her step-grandmother upstairs, leaving mother and daughter alone.

Esther turned to Musu, noticing the tightness in her mother's expression. Her smile faltered. "Ma, are you alright? Is everything okay at home?"

Musu paused, searching for the right words. "No, dear, nothing like that," she said slowly, her tone cautious. "Esther, sweetheart.." she began, then hesitated again.

"Ma," Esther said softly, her brows furrowed with concern. "You know you can talk to me. Please, don't stress yourself trying to soften it. Just tell me what's going on."

"It's about your sister. About Sarah."

And that was all it took. Esther's entire demeanor shifted. The warmth drained from her face, her hands slowly retreating from her mother's as a shadow passed over her features

Musu noticed the immediate change in her daughter's expression and sighed, folding her hands in her lap.

"Dear, I know what she did hurt you. More than I can ever understand. And I won't ask you to forget it… but I came here this morning because Sarah is desperate."

Esther looked away, jaw tightening slightly. "Desperate?" she echoed, the word tasting bitter on her tongue. "After everything, now she's desperate?"

"She's lost everything," Musu said gently. "Her job, her reputation… Daniel had her blacklisted. No one wants to hire her, and honestly, I can't blame them. But she's trying, at least she says she is."

Esther remained silent, eyes fixed on a point beyond the window, her fingers threading through each other beneath the table.

"She came to me last night, knelt at my feet," Musu continued, her voice trembling slightly. "She begged me, Esther. She asked me to talk to you… to ask you to speak with Mr Lewis . To help her get her job back at LewisTech."

Esther's head snapped back to her mother. "She wants to go back there?" she asked, disbelief and something darker lacing her voice. "After the lies, the betrayal, the sabotage—she wants back in?"

"She knows she made a mess of things. She's not asking to be welcomed with open arms," Musu said quickly. "Just a chance. One chance to start over."

Esther rose from her chair slowly, walking a few steps away before turning back, arms folded. "And you believe her? That she's truly remorseful?"

Musu's silence said everything. A mother could hope, but not always believe.

"I don't know," Musu admitted quietly. "But I do know she's my daughter, just like you. And if I stand by and do nothing while she spirals, I don't think I'd ever forgive myself."

"Ma," Esther said, her voice low and carefully composed, "Mr. Lewis is my husband, not my employee. I can't command him, and frankly, I don't even want to bring this conversation to him."

"I understand that," Musu said quickly, leaning in. "I'm just asking if you could talk to him. He's your partner, and he might listen to you. Please."

Esther looked away, tightening her grip on the edge of the table before reaching to gently hold her mother's hands. "Ma, can we not do this right now?" she said quietly. "I don't think Sarah means any of what she says. She's likely manipulating you again."

"Maybe you're right," Musu admitted, her voice thick. "But she's still your sister, Esther. I can't sit back and watch her destroy herself. I just… I need you to try. For my sake, if nothing else."

Esther's mouth parted, but no words came out. Her throat felt tight. The look in her mother's eyes, so full of weariness and helpless hope, chipped away at her defenses. She wanted to say no, to draw the line once and for all. But those eyes… they were the same ones that had stood by her through every storm.

Finally, she exhaled, her voice soft but heavy. "Alright. I'll talk to him. I'll try. But I'm not promising anything, Ma. The decision's his, and I won't push."

Musu's face lit with tentative relief as she reached forward and pulled her daughter into a hug. "Thank you, my dear. That's all I needed to hear."

Esther rested briefly in her mother's arms, before pulling back with a quiet reminder. "Just… don't let her drag you down again, Ma. Don't let her stress you like this."

Musu nodded slowly, but the worry in her eyes didn't leave.

Right after the emotional conversation with her mother, Esther had made sure Mather arranged for a driver to escort Musu safely back home. Only after that did she set out with Betty, heading for Lovet Academy.

The car moved smoothly along the familiar route when Betty turned toward her with curious eyes.

"So… are you resuming teaching today? I thought you were on a month's break."

"I am," Esther replied, her gaze drifting to the passing streets outside the window. "But I'm just dropping you off and then heading to see my professor."

Betty tilted her head. "You mean the beardless grandpa who always wears glasses?"

Esther let out a laugh, startled by the nickname. "Sunflower, that's not just my professor, that's your school principal too. You might want to be careful with those names. He's the one who signs your report cards."

Betty grinned. "You're not going to tell him, are you?"

"Absolutely not," Esther said, chuckling as she reached over and gave Betty a playful pinch on the cheek. "And I doubt he'd mind. He's actually pretty friendly."

"Good," Betty nodded, pleased. Then her face turned mock serious. "Now that today's your official first day as my mom dropping me off at school, you're not going to embarrass me with kisses and cheesy goodbyes, are you?"

Esther raised a brow. "I don't know… do you want that?"

Betty hesitated, lips pressed tight before breaking into a sly smile. "It looks ridiculous, but… I'm up for it. Let's do it."

They both burst into laughter just as the driver pulled into the school lot. He stepped out and opened the door for them. Esther climbed down first, holding Betty's hand as they walked side by side through the breezy school corridors. They reached Betty's classroom, half-filled with early arrivals chatting and settling in.

Esther crouched to her level and handed her a small water bottle. "Okay, be careful. Less pranks, more paying attention to your teachers."

Betty accepted the bottle with a small salute. "I promise I'll be good… unless I'm provoked."

Esther gave her a mock stern look.

"Alright, alright. I won't do anything that lands me in the principal's office," she amended with a sheepish smile.

"That's my girl." Esther leaned in and kissed her forehead, wrapping her in a warm hug. "I'll be back at two to pick you up."

"Love you!" Betty said brightly, waving over her shoulder as she skipped into her classroom.

Esther stood there for a moment, watching her until she took her seat. Then with a soft, lingering smile, she turned and made her way toward the professor's office, her steps lighter than they had been that morning.

She paused briefly outside Professor Turay's office before knocking gently.

"Come in," came the warm baritone voice.

She pushed the door open and smiled as she stepped inside. "Good morning, Professor."

Professor Turay, now in his colorful culture attire and rimless glasses, stood up from behind his desk. "Esther! My dear girl." He walked over and gave her a warm, brief hug. "You look radiant. Married life suits you."

She laughed gently. "Thank you, sir. I was going to invite you, but I heard you were away."

He sighed with a shake of his head. "Yes, I was. The national psychology board held a conference in Kigali. You know how those gatherings are, old men arguing over methods they'll never change."

Esther chuckled.

"But I saw the photos. You made a beautiful bride," he added sincerely before gesturing toward the chair. "Sit, sit. Let's get to it."

She obeyed, clasping her hands in her lap.

He folded his arms and leaned slightly against the desk. "I received word this morning from the central hospital's HR. They've reviewed your credentials and the feedback from your clinicals, and I'm pleased to say, they've offered you the position. You'll be joining as the new resident child psychologist, effective next month."

Esther's eyes widened, her mouth falling open slightly. "Sir… really?"

Turay smiled proudly. "You've earned it, Esther. You've been consistent, driven, and deeply compassionate. That job was practically made for someone like you."

Esther's hands flew to her chest, overwhelmed with emotion. "Thank you, Professor. Thank you so much, for believing in me, for pushing me."

He raised a hand with a knowing look. "Just remember what I've always told you, talent opens the door, but character keeps it open. This isn't just about theory anymore. You'll be walking into homes, clinics, and the broken minds of children. They'll need not just your knowledge, but your presence."

She nodded solemnly, taking the words to heart.

"I'll send the official letter to your email today," he added, returning to his chair. "Go celebrate with your husband. And when you start, don't hesitate to call if you ever need guidance."

"I will," she said, rising. "And thank you again. For everything."

He smiled as she walked to the door.

Meanwhile, at the subdivision of LewisTech developing wing, the air in the conference room was tense but charged with curiosity. At one end of the long glass table, a digital schematic of a humanoid figure rotated slowly on the embedded screen, its metallic frame reflecting the pale blue lighting above.

Ibrahim leaned back in his seat, arms crossed as his eyes followed the rotating model. Alie, already typing on his tablet, had a notepad open with sketched outlines and rough notes. Two junior engineers, Rafiq and Lema, sat beside her, alert, scribbling in silence.

When the glass door finally slid open and Daniel entered, everyone straightened.

"Morning," he greeted briskly, placing a slim black file on the table. "Let's get into it."

Daniel dropped the file onto the table and tapped the interface beside it. The projection on the table flared and adjusted, revealing schematics, bullet points, and code-layered visualizations.

"We've been assigned a new project," he began, voice calm but firm. "Government contract. Multi-role tactical unit. Code name: Sentinel-X."

He let that settle for a moment before continuing.

"It's to be a humanoid commando system. Designed for surveillance, urban response, support in active threat environments, and high-risk infiltration. Rescue ops too, where possible. A prototype must be ready for field demonstration in ten months."

At that, Ibrahim made a soft sound in his throat. "So… a soldier that doesn't bleed," he said dryly, eyes narrowing. "And I assume they want it to think too."

"Think, yes. Kill, no," Daniel replied. "Not as its default. This isn't meant to be a war machine. It's a precision tool with constraints. Our mandate is to build something intelligent enough to respond in real-time, non-lethal by default, and fully command-dependent for any override decisions."

Alie leaned forward, her brows lifted. "So we're walking a fine line between 'tactical support' and militarized AI. Have we been given operational parameters? Anything legal to reference?"

Daniel nodded. "Lethal engagement is not built in at base level. Optional modules exist, but access requires external authorizations hardwired into the system. Our focus is reconnaissance, control, and safe extraction. The goal is to reduce collateral, not increase it."

Rafiq, the younger of the junior developers, raised his hand slightly. "Terrain scope? Are we looking at a unit strictly built for urban terrain, or are we expected to handle open-field, maybe amphibious conditions?"

"Urban terrain comes first," Daniel said. "It needs to climb stairs, cross rubble, navigate tight corridors, and operate in close quarters. Once we establish stability, we'll explore terrain variants and add-ons."

Lema spoke next, her voice crisp. "Autonomy layer? Are we talking full independent thinking, or remote-pilot controls?"

Daniel gestured toward the schematic. "Hybrid architecture. It'll have embedded AI for basic navigation, threat recognition, and decision-making in low-risk environments. But direct engagement, ethical decision-making, and mission objectives? Those stay in human hands."

"And who handles moral override?" Ibrahim asked, his tone heavier now. "Because one bad line of code, one misinterpretation of a child with a toy gun, and we have a public disaster on our hands."

Daniel's expression hardened slightly, his gaze meeting Ibrahim's. "Which is why this department was given the project. Because we build systems with a conscience. And because we understand that precision matters more than power."

There was a brief silence. Alie broke it with a dry chuckle. "Well, then. We're not building a robot, we're raising a child with good instincts and bulletproof armor."

Daniel allowed himself a small smile. "That's one way to look at it. This is going to push us harder than anything we've done before. But if we do it right… this machine might just change how this country thinks about defense and rescue."

A few heads nodded. Others exchanged glances, some intrigued, some skeptical.

Thomas leaned forward, arms resting on the polished table. "You mentioned autonomous operation earlier. Are we going full AI on this? Or are we keeping remote control in the loop?"

"We're doing both," Daniel replied. "Primary control will remain manual for now, military doesn't trust machines without a human finger on the trigger. But the AI will handle real-time analysis, movement, environmental navigation, and threat identification. That's where our work begins."

A young developer raised a hand hesitantly. "What kind of environments are we talking about? Are we designing for battlefield conditions or urban emergencies?"

"All of the above," Daniel answered. "This isn't just a weapon. It should navigate debris in collapsed buildings, recognize civilians from combatants, and move in heat, water, sand, and narrow urban zones. We're building more than hardware. We're giving it discernment."

The room stilled at the weight of that word.

"I'll handle the external briefings," Daniel added. "You" he nodded toward the lead developers "just focus on building the machine that can adapt to any condition and remain under our control."

He closed his tablet. "We begin prototyping next week. I'll review your framework drafts by Friday. Keep your team lean and silent. This project doesn't exist outside this room."

The air shifted, more alert now, more serious.

"Meeting adjourned."

Chairs scraped back. Conversation resumed in hushed tones. Daniel stood by the window as the room emptied, his gaze fixed beyond the glass.

He didn't need everyone's agreement. He just needed their commitment.