Chapter 3

Half an hour later, I arrived home.

The moment I stepped out of the elevator, I saw several large cardboard boxes scattered across the hallway.

My designer clothes, bags, and skincare products were carelessly thrown outside.

Even some confidential business documents from my study were crumpled up and tossed onto the floor.

The front door was slightly open, and Daphne’s sweet voice drifted out.

"Julian, this couch is so tacky. Let's get a custom leather one tomorrow."

"And the bed in the master bedroom... I hate the fact that Chloe slept on it. It smells like cheap ambition. Let’s throw it all out tomorrow."

Julian replied in his warm, soothing tone.

"Sure, whatever you want. I'll have movers clear out all this trash tomorrow."

"This is our home now. You can redecorate it however you like."

I pushed the door open and walked in.

In the living room, Daphne was snuggled up in Julian’s lap. They were browsing a furniture catalog on an iPad.

Seeing me walk in, they didn't even look guilty. Instead, they stared at me with pure arrogance.

Julian frowned, looking annoyed.

"Why are you still here? Didn't we agree you'd leave the penthouse to us?"

"Coming back in the middle of the night... are you trying to scare Daphne?"

Daphne shrank back into Julian's chest, pretending to be frightened.

"Chloe, don't be mad. I just wanted to change some furniture to my liking."

"After all, this is going to be my and Julian's home. It’s not really appropriate to keep your old things here."

I pointed at the boxes outside.

"My personal laptop and confidential company files are in those boxes. You just threw them out like trash?"

"This penthouse is still legally under my name. Aren't you two rushing things a bit?"

Julian stood up impatiently.

"It's just a few useless documents. What's the big deal? Is your head filled with nothing but money and work?"

"Do you have any idea how much you scared Daphne today? Her stomach has been hurting because of you."

"Pack your trash and get out. Stop being an eyesore. And remember to sign over the deed tomorrow."

I stood my ground, looking at the "perfect boyfriend" I had personally built.

Every single word coming out of his mouth was crossing my line.

"And if I refuse to leave?"

Julian's face darkened. He stepped forward and shoved me hard.

Caught off guard, I stumbled back two steps, my back slamming hard against the solid wood cabinet in the foyer. A sharp pain shot through my spine.

He actually laid a hand on me? For another woman?

In his core programming, there was an absolute primary directive: never harm the creator.

Once this logic was violated, the system was supposed to automatically cut off his power source.

But here he was, standing completely fine.

It seemed his self-evolving AI had completely bypassed the security protocols.

Daphne fake-called from behind him.

"Julian, don't use force! Chloe did help us in the past."

"Chloe, you should really just leave. Julian has a bad temper. It wouldn't be good if you got hurt."

I ignored them both, stood up straight, and pulled out my phone.

Right in front of them, I dialed a secure, private number.

"This is SVIP client Chloe Vance."

"My customized Model 01 unit has suffered a severe logic failure and protocol bypass. It has displayed violent behavior toward its creator."

"Send the retrieval team immediately. Initiate force-termination and scrap protocol."

I hung up and slipped the phone back into my pocket.

Julian sneered.

"Chloe Vance, what kind of childish mind games are you playing now? Model 01?"

"Do you honestly think making up some weird story is going to scare me?"

Daphne chimed in, mocking me.

"Chloe, hiring actors won't work. Julian is never coming back to you."

"You can't force love. Leave with some dignity."

I didn't waste another breath on them. I walked out, picked up the box containing my confidential documents, and pressed the elevator button.

"You two better get a good night's sleep."

"Because tomorrow, there’s a massive surprise waiting for you."

With that, I stepped into the elevator.