A suffocating atmosphere loomed over the entire area within the tall building that served as Moran Group's headquarters.
"Just who the hell did this? It's been two days, and none of you know how to fix this! Is the technical department filled with sham employees?! You all receive millions of dollars for your yearly salary, and this is all you've got?! Our client information has been leaked to the public, and more is being leaked as we speak! If we don't stop it soon, Moran Group will become a laughing stock, and you'll all be fired!"
Jack's scolding could be heard throughout the hundred-meter-tall building. As Ace's most trusted assistant, he was in charge of most affairs within the company.
Two days ago, there was a sudden virus attack on Moran Group's business system of Moran Group, causing hundreds of employees to work overtime for two days straight. None of them could get a wink of sleep due to the havoc this virus has wreaked.
"Mr. Jack, that was uncalled for. We're not the ones lacking here. Our enemy is just too strong! Their IP addresses constantly change as if they're moving from country to country within minutes. We can't track them at all!"
The technical department manager, Andrew, refused to acknowledge that his skills were the issue.
"You should know that our department has hired all the IT prodigies within the City. If we, of all people, can't fix this, no one can."
Just then, a timid voice spoke up, coming from the furthest corner of the room.
"Actually, there is a way."
Everyone turned their heads and noticed that it was a young man wearing a pair of glasses with a black frame.
"How? Tell us right now!" Jack immediately urged him.
The young man adjusted his glasses, still speaking in a soft tone. "That is to do… nothing. We'll just have to wait four days, and the virus will deactivate itself."
"Wh-What did you say?" Jack felt as if he had been tricked, and he rolled up his sleeves as if he were getting ready to fight these fools.
"Explain." Ace's frosty voice sounded from the center of the meeting room, his slender fingers casually playing around with a fountain pen.
His nonchalant attitude seemed far different from Jack, who was lashing out. However, it was exactly because of this dismissive demeanor that exacted this suffocating pressure on every single employee.
No one dared to make the slightest mistake when he was around.
The young man responded carefully. "According to my observations, this code string is similar to my idol's style. They're considered a legend among hackers and go by the codename 'Cyber Queen'…"
Half of the employees in the room visibly lit up with excitement, discussing with one another.
"Cyber Queen is amazing! No one has ever been able to remove their software or track them down. And the more you try doing so, the more flaws you end up with. Their software has a certain trait though that they only run for seven days. After seven days are up, they are automatically deactivated."
"There are lots of rumors circulating about Cyber Queen too. Some say they're a young prodigy, while some say they're in their fifties or sixties. Basically… no one has ever seen them in the flesh."
"But Cyber Queen has been on a hiatus for many, many years. Why did they suddenly resurface again? And they clearly have their eyes on Moran Group for some reason. We're so unlucky!"
'Unlucky?' Ace remembered what Joanna said at the hospital a while ago. 'Tsk, is this woman a psychic? Her prediction was way too accurate.'
Based on their assumptions, Moran Group had lost at least twenty hundred million dollars due to this incident. It truly was an unfortunate event for the entire company.
"Cyber Queen?" Ace narrowed his eyes, mumbling the name under his breath.
In that instant, his pride got the best of him, as he didn't like admitting defeat.
Upset, he gave orders in a chilling tone. "Jack, I want to know who this 'Cyber Queen' person is. Spread the news that whoever gets information on this person will be rewarded a hundred and eighty million dollars.
"Atchoo! Atchoo!"
Joanna sneezed several times as she arrived at a crowded restaurant, so much so that her ears were burning up.
"That's weird. I swear I'm not sick anymore, but why am I still sneezing so much?" Joanna sniffed, wondering if she should take some medication later.
"Maybe someone is talking behind your back!" Clara Blackwood said as she handed Joanna a copy of 'BC News'. "Oh Joanna, you're in trouble! Your future ex-husband is out to get you. He's even offered a hundred and eighty million as a reward!"
As Liam's twin sister, Clara was also very close with Joanna. However, she didn't worship her like how her brother did. She was more like Joanna's best friend. Whenever the two got together, banter and hilarious memories would ensue.
Joanna scanned through the newspapers and chuckled with disdain. "If he has the power to do this, he should think of how to mend that flawed business system instead! It's been years, and yet their system is still as weak as ever. It really didn't take much to hack into it."
"You're wild, Joanna!" Clara said and gave her a thumbs up. "As you should be, though, honestly! After all, you're the legendary hacker, the one and only Cyber Queen!"
"That ice block Ace Moran really wasted his handsome looks. He's all beauty but no brains! How could he cheat on you?! You've been nothing but great! He even got his mistress pregnant. What a b*stard!"
"Why doesn't he ever use his d*mn brain and realize how much you've helped him over the past few years!? If you hadn't secretly stopped every attack on that broken system, it would've been hacked repeatedly… Ugh, he deserves everything that's happening to him now. What an ungrateful jerk!"
Clara used to be their number-one fan. She hoped the two could fall in love with time, despite their arranged marriage, just like the ones shown in fiction. Instead, the plot in this love story took a turn, as the male lead brought his mistress and their illegitimate child into the house. From that moment on, Clara felt like her heart had sunk to the bottom of the ocean.
'F*ck this sh*t!' Clara thought, feeling as if she was angrier than Joanna herself. She even contemplated barging into Moran Group and beating the man up.
Just then, a waiter walked over to their table, serving them a plate of nicely barbecued skewers, along with a few cans of beer. Clara immediately opened one of the cans and downed the entire thing as if it were just plain water.
On the other hand, Joanna hesitated despite looking at the juicy, aromatic food in front of her.
"What's wrong, Joanna? You're about to divorce, and you're about to be free! Drink up! We have to get drunk tonight to celebrate!"
Joanna bit down on her lip and called out to one of the waiters. "Excuse me. I'd like a glass of orange juice and a plate of chicken salad."
Pfft!
Clara was so shocked that she spat her beer out. Her mouth was left wide agape. "What the heck? You know you're getting a divorce soon, right? Why are you still acting like a modest little lady? Do you not want any beer or skewers?"
"I… can't today. If you know what I mean." Joanna replied, beating around the bush.
She didn't intend to tell Clara about her pregnancy, nor anyone else, to be exact. She made an appointment at a private clinic last night and will be aborting her child in two days.
Even though she had decided, Joanna didn't understand why she was still worried that such unhealthy food would stunt the baby's growth.
"Oh, I get it. You're on your period." Clara nodded and handed her a glass of warm water. "No worries, have some water instead. I'll handle the alcohol."
"Thanks, Clara." Joanna smiled warmly.
Thinking about it, the best thing she's ever done in her entire life was saving Liam and Clara. They were now her most trusted confidants, and she considered both of them family by this point.
"Yo, if it isn't the elegant, modest, reserved Mrs. Moran herself?" A cocky voice suddenly came from behind the two women.