Evelyn had been in this line of work for a long time.
As one of Clouds' top headliners, she had encountered countless wealthy magnates and powerful figures. Many of them had once been infatuated with her, showering her with attention and promises.
But time had taught her a harsh truth.
No one ever intended to take her away.
No matter how sweet their words sounded in the moment, the instant anything real—anything involving responsibility or emotion—entered the conversation, they would retreat. Slowly, they would stop visiting altogether, as if she had never existed.
Eventually, Evelyn gave up on the idea of changing her fate through a patron.
She no longer believed in anyone else.
Only money was real. Only wealth could give her a way out of Clouds.
At first, she only had a vague sense of familiarity toward the three people in front of her. But now, as she looked more closely, her memory clicked into place.
The "Grassroots Trio."
A name that had spread throughout Night City like wildfire.
Sebastian Xiao—once an orphan from Heywood—had risen from a street-level nobody to the hidden ruler behind a global religious-tech empire. With his unparalleled mastery over machinery, he was even hailed as the human incarnation of the God of All Machines.
As for Lucy and Kiwi, their fame was no less legendary.
Among young women in Night City, they were icons—symbols of a fantasy made real.
Because, in the eyes of the public, they had achieved everything without exceptional ability.
They had started as low-tier mercenaries. Their hacking skills were decent, but far from outstanding. Aside from their looks, there was nothing particularly remarkable about them.
And yet, through a single mission under Rogue, they had crossed paths with Xiao.
From that moment on, their lives changed completely.
Favored by him, they rose to a level of status that most people could never hope to reach. Even the mayor of Night City would lower his head in their presence and respectfully address them as "Madam."
Their story had become a modern legend.
A perfect rags-to-riches tale.
It inspired countless young men and women to flood into Night City, dreaming of replicating their success—only to be swallowed whole by the city's ruthless machinery.
Evelyn had once viewed them with a mix of envy and admiration.
To those at the bottom, Lucy and Kiwi were both hope and myth—figures too distant to ever truly touch.
But now that she stood before them in person, a different feeling began to take root.
Injustice.
Because no matter how she looked at it—appearance, figure, temperament—she didn't believe she was inferior to them.
And yet, she stood here as a purchasable commodity.
A "star-doll" they could summon and dismiss at will.
Meanwhile, they sat above her, untouchable, elevated beyond reach.
With a casual gesture, they could spend what she worked days to earn—just for amusement.
Even the most composed person would struggle not to feel resentment in such a moment.
"She looks a little upset."
Kiwi rested her chin in her palm, her tone casual as she spoke. Through her system access, she could clearly see the fluctuations in Evelyn's emotional state.
"Then why don't you go handle it?" Xiao replied lazily.
"I'd love to, but I'm in sage mode right now," Kiwi said with a stretch, not even bothering to move. "No interest whatsoever."
Xiao glanced at Lucy, who also looked exhausted, and chuckled.
"Then you two rest. I'll take care of this one myself."
He gently set Lucy down on the bed before standing up and leading Evelyn into another room.
"Your intentions are practically written on your face," Kiwi muttered, rolling her eyes.
The door closed behind them.
"Hot," Xiao said simply.
The command activated Evelyn's behavioral chip instantly.
During the process, Xiao subtly implanted a magical puppet within her body, leaving behind a hidden means of observation.
When everything ended, Evelyn retained no memory of what had just happened.
This was precisely why Clouds was so popular among Night City's elite.
They collected vast amounts of data from their clients, then used behavioral programming to shape each star-doll into the perfect partner tailored to individual desires.
The experience was flawless.
Private.
Untraceable.
To the outside world, nothing had happened.
Even the dolls themselves remembered nothing.
Yet their bodies still retained the sensations.
And for Evelyn, that sensation was… pleasant.
There had been no pain. No discomfort. Only a strange, lingering satisfaction.
It left her with an unfamiliar anticipation for his return.
"I'm starting to lose interest in my cyberware," Xiao said casually as he dressed. "Even something like the Succubus Type-5 system… it's impressive, but there's no novelty anymore."
He glanced at Evelyn, his expression indifferent.
"I've tried plenty of star-dolls. Different faces, same core. After a while, it just feels like using a cup."
Evelyn froze.
Xiao continued without hesitation.
"No matter how advanced technology gets, toys are still toys. They can't replace real women."
The words landed heavily.
Like a hammer striking straight into her chest.
For a moment, everything fell silent.
Then—
A tear slipped down her cheek.
Followed by another.
They fell quietly, like shattered pearls, soaking into her clothes before disappearing.
In that instant, Evelyn finally understood.
Why those powerful men had always left.
Why none of them had ever chosen her.
Because in their eyes—
She was never a person.
Only an object.
A beautifully crafted, high-end tool.
A moving, breathing machine.
How could something like that ever receive love?
"Mr. Xiao…"
Her voice trembled as she looked up, eyes filled with desperation.
"Do I still have a chance?"
"Can I… become human again?"
"Can I have my body back—and live as a real woman?"
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