Against the Algorithm

Chapter 53: Keys to the Quiet

Because some things?

Some things were better said in actions. And she wanted that look on his face—the one she'd seen earlier, the one he probably didn't even realize he'd made—to be hers alone when he found it waiting.

The attention of the room remained fixed on the chaos Yue was creating—flailing dramatically over whether or not to name his Aston Martin after a Greek goddess or a K-Drama lead—as Lan calmly tested the seat adjustment range in her Bentley with a clinical grace that somehow still felt mildly threatening.

Sicheng had drifted toward one of the far cabinets along the side wall, indulging Yue with half his attention, eyes scanning rows of engine tools and diagnostic panels with mild curiosity. Which meant no one was watching her.

Yao moved softly, steps light, deliberate, her body turned slightly away from the center of the room. The keys still hung in pristine order along the panel, cool metal tags glinting beneath the track lighting. Her fingers reached for the one she hadn't stopped thinking about since Yue's ridiculous groan of heartbreak.

Jaguar XKR-S // Crimson Feral

He had practically wept over it. Whispered to it. Called it his soulmate and then betrayed it five minutes later when the Aston had caught his eye. But she had seen the way his shoulders sagged just a little when he turned away. She lifted the crimson key quietly and slipped it into her coat pocket beside the first one. That one will be waiting at the base, tucked behind the loading bay. Let him find it alone. Let him scream. Let him cry. Let him have both.

She turned her attention to the other two. She had noticed earlier, in that subtle, meticulous way she always observed the details others missed: the way Lan had passed her fingers just a second too long along the matte black Lotus parked beside the convertible... and how Sheng had paused for a half-breath near the deep green coupe nestled beneath the back skylight. Neither had said anything. Neither had reached. But she had seen the hesitation.

And so—

Lotus Evora Shadowline // Custom GT.

Maserati Vento '92 // Hunter Green.

Two more keys.

One smooth and light. One heavier, worn at the edges in the way that only something crafted by hand could feel. Both were slipped into the other side of her coat pocket with practiced ease. Four keys total now. Her fingers curled protectively over the weight of them, the corners of her mouth soft with quiet satisfaction. She didn't want thanks. She didn't want a scene. She just wanted them to have what they didn't ask for. Because she saw them.

Because she knew and because loving these three—these impossible, infuriating, loyal Lu family lunatics—meant sometimes you give without letting them see you do it. She took one last look at the panel, carefully adjusting the spacing to make it appear untouched, then turned and rejoined the others just as Sheng finally consented to letting Yue sit in the driver's seat of his newly acquired Azure... under supervision.

Lan glanced sideways at her, as if sensing something—but didn't speak.

And Yao, ever composed now, just smiled lightly and dusted her sleeve with the edge of her hand. Plans made. Deliveries scheduled in her mind. One Jaguar for Yue at the base. One motorcycle hidden away for Sicheng. One Lotus for Lan and a Maserati for Sheng en route to a private garage by the end of the week. It would be done. Because she wanted it done. Because she could. And because none of them had ever asked her for anything and have never since meeting her hesitated in taking care of her. So she'd give them everything. Without saying a word.