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Olivia Mann sat comfortably in her room, blissfully oblivious. Why wouldn’t she be? Life was perfect. She’d taken over as CEO of Mann Co. a year ago, Saxton Hale was scrambling, and the Mann vs. Machine battle was a thing of the past. Sure, those dimwitted mercenaries had regrouped, but it was laughable to think they could ever beat her dad’s precious robots!
Relaxed and carefree, Olivia amused herself by playing with her newly adopted birds. With Mann Co. money pouring in, her father spoiled her with an endless array of pets and trinkets. She already had five birds, seven puppies, and two ponies. It was the dream lifestyle.
“Ohh, I think you’re my favorite little ones!” she cooed at her chirping flock. “We had to send those miserable office workers all the way to Australia, India, and the Amazon Rainforest to find you, and you’re worth every complaint they made!” Her collection was impressive: a sassy Indian ringneck, two lovebird-like green-cheeked conures, and a pair of melodramatic cockatiels.
She laughed to herself. “Honestly, though, getting puppies and that big, grumpy pony was too easy. Where’s the challenge if I’m not working for it? Hahaha!” she mused, brimming with self-satisfaction.
For half an hour, she held a grand tea party with her five birds and a gang of stuffed animals, commanding them all in a game of make-believe where she was the boss—of course. It was her world, and only hers. Anyone daring to interrupt would be instantly dismissed.
As she sipped her imaginary tea, she heard the heavy doors creak open behind her. Her brow furrowed, but she didn’t turn. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with! You’re fired!” she snapped, still facing forward. Only when she twisted around did her scowl turn into a grin. It wasn’t some worthless worker—it was her father, Gray Mann!
“Daddy!” She jumped up from her pink velvet pillow and ran to hug his leg, startling her flock. The ringneck squawked in alarm, and the cockatiels flitted around the room, clearly unimpressed by the interruption.
Gray winced. “Ah, easy, sweetheart! I’m still getting older, unfortunately.” He sounded more irritated than anything else, and rightfully so; he still hadn’t found the vault of Australium, the key to his eternal youth. Time was slipping by.
Olivia pouted. “I told you to find that vault ages ago, Daddy! You’re turning into a big pile of bones!” She crossed her arms, trying not to mess up her perfectly placed bow.
Gray shook his head. “Olivia, I did find it, but it was empty... Remember?”
Olivia grumbled in disappointment but stayed silent. Gray continued, his expression shifting to one of grave importance. “But since I’m apparently running out of time, a few emergencies have come up... Some issues, and I need your... minimal assistance.”
Olivia tilted her head curiously. “What do you need, Daddy?”
A sly smile spread across Gray’s face. “I need to borrow your five little birds for a while. They’ll be crucial for my new plan—”
“NO WAY!” Olivia interrupted, hugging her birds' perch protectively. They had seemed alarmed, but did not flee. “You’re not getting my birds! They’re my favorites right now!” She pouted and crossed her arms, her face set in defiance.
Gray let out a deep sigh. “It wasn’t a request, Olivia. You may be CEO, but I’m still your father!” he snapped. “Now, if you won’t hand them over, I’ll get them myself."
With that, he hobbled over to the wooden table where Olivia’s birds perched, his wrinkled hands reaching out. In one swift motion, he snatched up the two cockatiels, who immediately squawked in protest, flapping wildly.
“Daddy, stop! They’re mine! MY BIRDS!!” Olivia screamed, her tiny fists clenched as she began to cry, stomping her foot in fury. She was, after all, only seven.
Gray signaled to a pair of robots that had entered the room, each promptly snatching up the remaining birds. Olivia’s protests turned into a full-blown tantrum as she watched her precious pets be carried away. Her face flushed bright red, and she kicked her father’s ankle in a last-ditch act of rebellion.
Gray winced, nearly dropping the cockatiels but keeping his grip. Limping slightly, he continued out the door as Olivia collapsed to the floor, pounding her fists and feet in a fit of rage.
The robots followed him, each carrying a squirming, chirping bird. Gray shot a glare at them all as the doors swung shut behind him, muffling Olivia’s wails.
Despite the throbbing in his ankle, a smirk crept onto his face. “This will be the plan that changes everything, Mr. Hale...” he muttered to himself, giving the birds a wicked look.
And so, with a triumphant step, Gray Mann hobbled down the hall, Olivia’s cries fading as he marched forward. His game-changing plan hadn't started, but it was certainly getting close.
ns 15.158.61.6da2
