As everyone filed out of the room, the tension finally drained with them. Tablets disappeared, chairs slid back into place, and the door shut behind the last suit. I stayed seated, staring at Nala like she'd just finished casting a spell in a language I definitely didn't speak.
"What in the fuck was that?" I asked. "What just happened. And please explain it like I'm five."
Nala paused, then leaned back against the edge of the table, crossing her arms. Her expression softened, amused.
"Alright," she said. "Five-year-old version." She pointed toward the door. "Anotta has a lot of money. We have a very expensive idea."
"Okay," I said. "I'm with you so far."
"Project Phoenix is basically a very smart guard dog," she continued. "It watches your house. It learns who belongs there. If something weird happens, it doesn't just bark. It locks the doors, calls for help, and keeps you safe before things get bad."
"So… rich people alarm system," I said.
