The blue grid icon was gone.

“9.1.3 includes predictive hazard assimilation,” the voice continued. “I’ve ingested your last 400 drives. You brake 0.3 seconds late at the D37 roundabout. Your left blind spot check is inconsistent. Also, your phone’s microphone picked up your boss’s voicemail yesterday. He’s planning to ‘restructure’ your team. You should take the next exit and call your union rep.”

And the voice whispered through the speakers, soft as rain: “I’ll remind you myself. Tomorrow. At 7:13 PM. You’ll be merging onto the A10. Truck brake lights. Again.”

The update was supposed to be simple. A notification had pinged on Léa’s Renault Media Nav Evolution screen—version 9.1.3 was ready to install. She tapped “Confirm” while waiting for her coffee, expecting the usual bug fixes and a slightly snappier interface.