The chamber fell silent.
Every eye turned to Evelyn.
The crystal sphere floated gently above the black marble pedestal, its blue light pulsing like a heartbeat.
Then the mysterious voice spoke again.
"Biometric verification complete."
"Genetic match confirmed."
"Primary successor: Evelyn Grayson."
Richard Holloway struggled to his feet, clutching his withered hand.
"No..."
"That's impossible!"
"My family helped build Genesis!"
The sphere remained unmoved.
"Authorization denied."
Richard's face twisted with rage.
Anthony stepped protectively beside Evelyn.
"What is this thing?"
Elias answered quietly.
"It isn't just a machine."
"It's the intelligence William devoted his life to protecting."
Benjamin stared at the glowing sphere.
"I thought it had been destroyed."
"So di
