Ava was halfway through bolting a vibration-dampened shock cage to the undercarriage when the soft chime hit her ear.
Not the garage alert.
Not the security sensors.
Lucas.
She didn't even look up as she muttered, "I'm in the middle of something."
The chime came again—this time, sharper.
More persistent.
She exhaled and turned her head, fully expecting to see a messenger bot or one of the house's internal relay screens lighting up.
Instead, Lucas Bai stood there in person, coat half-draped over his shoulder, looking smug and mildly out of breath.
"You're filthy," he said.
"I'm busy." Ava shoved a wrench into a toolbox with too much force. "Go away unless you're bringing me something I can weaponize."
"I'm bringing you me." He tilted his head. "And a fast favor."
Ava stood slowly. "That sounds like a problem disguised as a bribe."
Lucas grinned.
"It is. Come on. I need your backup for a quick deal. Five minutes."
"I'm in the middle of re-coding your car."
