Chapter 1

ONE

K eir Sharpe stood at the expansive window of his penthouse office, gazing out at the New York City skyline. The early morning sun glinted off the glass and steel structures, mirroring the anticipation that thrummed through his veins. Today marked the culmination of years of work - the unveiling of Guardian AI at the biggest gaming expo of the year.

He turned back to his desk, picking up the sleek VR headset. Its matte black surface gleamed under his touch as he made a few final adjustments to the settings. Guardian AI represented the pinnacle of virtual reality technology, integrating advanced artificial intelligence with immersive gameplay. It was more than just a game; it was a revolution in user safety and experience.

Keir’s fingers danced over the headset’s controls, fine-tuning the responsiveness. As a dragon shifter, he’d infused the AI with the protective instincts of his kind, creating a system that not only enhanced gameplay but also safeguarded users in ways never before possible.

The intercom on his desk buzzed. “Mr. Sharpe, Beck Driscoll is on line one for you.”

“Thank you,” Keir replied, setting down the headset and picking up the phone. “Beck, what’s the status on our lead engineer? Is everything set for the demonstration?”

There was a moment of hesitation on the other end of the line. “Keir, I’ve got some bad news. I haven’t seen him this morning. He’s not responding to my messages.”

Keir’s jaw clenched, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “What do you mean you haven’t seen him? The expo starts in two hours.”

“I know, Keir. I’ve been trying to reach him since dawn. His office is empty, and his team hasn’t heard from him either.”

Keir pinched the bridge of his nose, tamping down the surge of frustration. “Keep trying. I want an update in fifteen minutes whether you’ve found him or not.”

“I’ll try to track him down through his phone. I don’t know what’s going on with him, but I’ll find him, Keir.”

He hung up, his mind already racing through contingencies. The lead engineer’s absence was more than just an inconvenience; it was a potential disaster. The man held critical knowledge about Guardian AI’s inner workings, knowledge that was supposed to be showcased today.

Before Keir could dive deeper into his concerns, the office door burst open. Amelia, his younger sister, swept in like a whirlwind of energy and designer perfume.

“Surprise, big brother!” she exclaimed, her green eyes sparkling. “Thought you could use some moral support for your big day.”

Despite his worries, a smile tugging at his lips. Amelia had always had that effect on him, her infectious enthusiasm a perfect counterbalance to his more reserved nature.

“Amelia,” he said, embracing her briefly. “I didn’t expect to see you until the family dinner tonight.”

She waved a hand dismissively. “And miss the chance to see you wow the masses with your latest tech marvel? Not a chance. Besides, someone needs to make sure you don’t forget to eat or, heaven forbid, crack a smile during all those interviews.”

Keir chuckled, grateful for her presence. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. We might have a situation brewing.”

Amelia’s eyebrow arched. “Oh? Do tell. Is it juicy corporate drama? A rival company trying to steal your thunder?”

“If only it were that simple,” Keir sighed, running a hand through his blonde hair. “Our lead engineer seems to have gone AWOL on the most important day of the year.”

Amelia’s playful expression sobered. “That doesn’t sound like the Keir Sharpe way of doing things. What are you going to do about it?”

Keir’s eyes narrowed, a determined glint replacing the earlier worry. “What I always do with incompetence and potential betrayal. Deal with it swiftly and decisively.”

“Ooh, I know that look,” Amelia said, a mix of excitement and sympathy in her voice. “Someone’s about to get fired, aren’t they?”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Keir replied, though his tone suggested he’d already made up his mind. “But if he doesn’t show up with a damn good explanation, then yes, he’ll be looking for a new job by lunchtime.”

Amelia clapped her hands together. “Well then, shall we head to the expo? I, for one, can’t wait to see how this all unfolds.”

Keir nodded, grabbing his jacket and the VR headset. As they made their way to the elevator, he found himself grateful for Amelia’s presence. Her energy and optimism were exactly what he needed to face the challenges ahead.

In the sleek company car, as they navigated through the bustling New York traffic, Keir’s mind wandered back to the potential crisis at hand. “I don’t tolerate liars or traitors in my company, Amelia. You know that.”

Amelia nodded, her usual joviality tempered by the seriousness of the situation. “I know, Keir. It’s one of the things that makes Sharpe Drakon Games so successful. Your integrity is unmatched in the industry.”

Keir’s grip tightened on the armrest. “This technology... it’s more than just a game. It’s about protecting people and keeping them safe even in virtual worlds. If someone on my team can’t understand that, can’t respect that, then they have no place in this company.”

“Hey,” Amelia said softly, placing a hand on his arm. “Whatever happens, you’ll handle it. You always do. And you’ve got me and the rest of the family backing you up.”

Keir managed a small smile, feeling some of the tension ease from his shoulders. “Thanks, sis. I appreciate that more than you know.”

As they pulled up to the convention center, the buzz of excitement was palpable. Crowds of gaming enthusiasts, tech journalists, and industry professionals swarmed the entrance, many sporting T-shirts emblazoned with the Sharpe Drakon Games logo.

Keir took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders as he stepped out of the car. This was his element - the culmination of years of hard work and innovation. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was ready to face them.

Inside, the expo floor was a cacophony of sights and sounds. Massive screens displayed footage of upcoming games while demo stations allowed attendees to test out the latest hardware. At the center of it all stood the Sharpe Drakon Games booth, a sleek, modern structure dominated by the Guardian AI logo.

As Keir approached, a group of reporters swarmed him, microphones thrust forward eagerly.

“Mr. Sharpe! Can you tell us more about the AI integration in Guardian?”

“Is it true that the system can predict user behavior?”

“How does Guardian differ from other VR safety protocols on the market?”

Keir raised a hand, his charismatic smile firmly in place despite the inner turmoil. “Ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate your enthusiasm. Rest assured, all your questions will be answered during our official presentation in just a few moments. What I can tell you is that Guardian AI represents a quantum leap forward in virtual reality technology. It’s not just a game - it’s a revolution in user safety and immersion.”

As he fielded more questions, Keir’s eyes scanned the crowd, searching for any sign of his missing lead engineer. The man’s absence was a glaring hole in what should have been a flawless operation.

Finally, it was time for the main event. Keir took his place on the stage, the sleek VR headset in his hands. As he began his presentation, his voice resonated with passion and conviction.

“Imagine a world where your virtual experiences are not just immersive, but truly safe. Where an AI, modeled after the protective instincts of the most formidable creatures in mythology, watches over you, anticipates dangers, and enhances your gameplay in ways you never thought possible. That world is no longer a dream - it’s Guardian AI.”

The crowd hung on his every word as Keir demonstrated the technology, showing how the AI adapted to user behavior, created dynamic environments, and intervened when it sensed potential harm or discomfort.

As the presentation reached its climax, Keir’s sharp eyes caught a flicker of movement in the wings of the stage. There, lurking in the shadows, was his lead engineer - engaged in a hushed, furtive conversation with two men Keir recognized as representatives from Obsidian Tech, Sharpe Drakon’s fiercest rival.

In that moment, everything clicked into place. The mysterious absence, the reluctance to communicate - it all pointed to one thing: betrayal.

Keir’s eyes narrowed, a low growl building in his chest. With a final flourish, he concluded his presentation to thunderous applause, his mind already formulating a plan to deal with this treachery.

As the crowd dispersed, buzzing with excitement about Guardian AI, Keir strode purposefully toward his lead engineer. The man’s face paled as he saw his boss approaching, the Obsidian Tech representatives quickly melting away into the crowd.

“Mr. Sharpe, I can explain-” the engineer began, but Keir cut him off with a raised hand.

“Save it,” Keir said, his voice low and dangerous. “You’re fired. Clear out your office by the end of the day. And if I find out you’ve shared any of our proprietary information with Obsidian Tech, you’ll be hearing from our legal team.”

The engineer sputtered, trying to form a defense, but Keir had already turned away, his mind racing with the implications of this betrayal and the urgent need to fill the now-vacant position.

As the day wound down and the expo hall emptied, Keir found himself in a quiet corner with Amelia, the adrenaline of the day finally starting to ebb.

“Well,” Amelia said, a hint of admiration in her voice, “you certainly know how to make an expo exciting. A groundbreaking tech reveal and a dramatic firing all in one day.”

Keir sighed, rubbing his temples. “Not exactly how I planned things to go. We’re going to need a new lead engineer, and fast. Someone we can trust, someone who understands the vision behind Guardian AI.”

Amelia nodded sympathetically. “You’ll find someone. You always do. Now come on, we’ve got a family dinner to get to. Maybe a good meal and some family banter will help clear your head.”

Later that evening as Keir sat around the expansive dining table in his parents’ penthouse, the events of the day still weighed heavily on his mind. The success of the Guardian AI reveal was tempered by the stark reality of the turncoat he’d uncovered.

“So, little brother,” Amelia’s voice cut through his thoughts, her tone teasing, “tell everyone about your exciting day at the office.”

Keir shot her a wry look. “I’m sure you’re dying to share the gossip yourself, Amelia.”

Their mother, Vivianne, leaned forward, concern etching her ageless features. “What happened, dear? The expo went well, didn’t it?”

“The expo was a resounding success,” Keir assured her. “Guardian AI was very well received. However...” He paused, his jaw tightening. “I had to let go of our lead engineer. He was caught sharing company secrets with Obsidian Tech.”

A collective gasp went around the table. Harris, Keir’s father, frowned deeply. “That’s a serious breach of trust, son. How are you planning to handle the fallout?”

Keir sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We’ll need to do a full security audit, of course. And I’ll have to find a replacement quickly. Someone who not only has the technical skills but also understands the importance of what we’re doing.”

At that moment, Vivianne’s eyes lit up with an idea. “You know, I might have just the person for you, Keir.”

Keir raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite his skepticism. “Oh? And how would you know someone suitable for such a specialized position, Mother?”

Vivianne smiled mysteriously. “One of the women in my book club has a daughter who’s quite the tech genius. She just finished a big contract and is currently weighing her options. From what I’ve heard, she’d be perfect for your team.”

Keir’s interest was piqued. His mother’s social circles were vast and influential, and he’d learned long ago not to underestimate her connections. “Tell me more.”

“Her name is Catrina Reeves,” Vivianne continued. “She has multiple advanced degrees in relevant fields and a reputation for innovative thinking. If you want the best, Keir, she’s it. You should meet with her before someone else snaps her up.”

Amelia chimed in, a mischievous glint in her eye. “How pretty is this tech genius, Mom?”

Keir shot her a warning look, but Amelia pressed on, grinning. “Just remember, big bro, it wouldn’t be smart to get involved with an employee, especially with your infamous three-date rule.”

The table erupted in good-natured laughter and teasing, but Keir’s mind was already whirring with possibilities. “Can you send me her LinkedIn profile, Mother? I’d like to review her credentials.”

As Vivianne nodded and reached for her phone, Keir felt a strange sense of hope. Could his problem really be solved so quickly? He truly hoped Catrina Reeves was exactly what his company needed because he didn’t have the time to wait for the right candidate when he was on such a tight deadline.

When the profile loaded on his phone, Keir’s eyes widened slightly. Catrina’s list of qualifications was impressive, to say the least. Multiple advanced degrees, a string of successful projects, and glowing recommendations from industry leaders.

“Well?” Amelia prodded, trying to peek at his screen. “Is she as amazing as Mom claims?”

Keir nodded slowly, his mind already formulating plans. “She certainly seems more than qualified. I’ll need to meet with her, of course, but... Mom might be right.”

As the family continued to chat and joke around him, Keir found his thoughts drifting to the prospect of meeting Catrina Reeves. If she had all those qualifications and expertise, she might really be his saving grace.