Austin Corporation

Bradley awaited the arrival of a text message, a subtle curve adorning his lips.

At that precise moment, a knock resounded at the door. "CEO, the meeting is drawing to a close. Would you care to address the attendees?"

"No need. As I've instructed, let James take charge of rectifying this situation. After all, he's the one who dug this pit, so let him be the one to fill it."

Bradley's demeanor remained impassive as he spoke, yet his gaze remained fixed on the computer screen before him. Linked to the meeting room's projector, it divulged every detail discussed during the meeting.

Harry stood awkwardly by the door. Despite the CEO's incessant texting, all the board members were insistent on his personal presence. How could he possibly appease these obstinate old directors if he didn't attend?

"But, CEO, Mr. Austin insists on your presence," Harry reiterated.

In an instant, Bradley's countenance darkened ominously, a palpable chill seeming to emanate from him.

The so-called Mr. Austin was none other than Arthur.

Having eavesdropped on the entire meeting, Arthur's inquiries had been astute and deliberately provocative. He deftly shifted all blame onto James, openly insinuating that James had orchestrated everything behind the scenes, siphoned company funds, and tampered with financial records.

Bradley saw through it all with crystal clarity. The true puppeteer orchestrating these events was none other than Arthur himself. Seeking to sow discord between him and James, Arthur viewed both as obstacles. If both were removed, no one would pose a threat to his position within the conglomerate.

What a cunning yet contemptible strategy.

But did Arthur truly believe that by swaying the board of directors, he could topple Bradley?

Bradley drummed his fingers intermittently against the desk, a cold smirk curling his lips.

"Tell Arthur that within three days, I shall provide the board of directors with an account of events!"

Harry, stationed at the door, breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. With the CEO's assurance, perhaps the directors would relent, if only slightly.

…

Freya fixed her gaze on her phone, poring over the text messages for what seemed like an eternity, her heart pounding erratically.

"He claimed the first person he'd see upon waking up would be me. But what if I never sleep? Would he never show up then?"

"I suppose I should just go to sleep obediently."

Closing her eyes, Freya held her phone close. She couldn't deny that since his departure, he had been the sole occupant of her thoughts.

Yet, admitting such a thing was beyond her.

Just as she pondered, her phone rang with its distinct tone, prompting Freya to snap her eyes open.

It was a 'task.'

Her gaze shifted to the bedside table, where a teddy bear sat.

It was the birthday gift Ella had given her, as per her request.

Hidden within the teddy bear was a secret.

With a swift motion, Freya retrieved the ultra-miniature notebook concealed within.

With her mother's vendetta settled, it was time to focus on her own career.

Despite Bradley's wealth, Freya refused to be a caged bird 'kept' by him.

Glancing at the message, she then turned to her computer. Soon, a pop-up window appeared, demanding a password.

A sly grin crossed Freya's face as she deftly typed on the keyboard.

Thirty seconds later, she successfully accessed the main interface.

Upon logging into the chat software, the incessant 'ding-dong' sounds echoed for about ten times.

Freya clicked on the flashing avatar, revealing more than a dozen messages from the other party.

Michael Hayes: Poppy, interested in a lucrative deal? The offer is 10 million dollars upfront, with a 5 million dollars deposit. Once you hack into Austin Group's financial system, the remaining 5 million will be paid immediately."

"Well, what's your reply?"

…

Hack into the Austin Group's financial system?

Freya scrutinized the screen intently. Someone had been plotting against Bradley.

After a moment's consideration, she began typing her response.

She had been a hacker, earning her livelihood by taking on tasks.

Years ago, after fleeing from the Smith family, she had fortuitously met James and learned medicine. Later, a chance encounter had led her to save Ella and acquire hacking skills from her.

"Poppy" had been her hacker alias, and she had been adamant about concealing her true identity.

Over the years, Freya had cracked various high-tech information passwords and had even assisted with programming tasks for others.

Her debut task had come from a wealthy woman who had paid her a million to crack her husband's computer password and retrieve evidence of his affair.

That single job had marked her entry into the world of wealth.

Following that, her reputation had burgeoned, and she had been inundated with tasks, filling her coffers more and more.

However, in the past two years, Freya had grown increasingly inactive in the hacker community, having amassed enough wealth and having intended to retire.

Michael had been her online partner. Together, they had established a software company, with Michael managing all business affairs while she solely focused on programming.

Michael had been highly reliable, never prying into her identity or making unreasonable demands. Their relationship had been purely business-oriented.

Freya inquired, "Could you divulge the identity of the employer?"

Michael replied promptly, "Apologies, Poppy, but you know my policy. The identity of the employer is always kept confidential."

Gazing at the pop-up window, Freya furrowed her brows.

Fully aware of Michael's principles, she knew he wouldn't risk exposing the employer's identity, as both parties had always signed a confidentiality agreement before collaborating.

After some deliberation, Freya declined.

"You know me. Over these past years, I haven't taken on any tasks unless they're related to the company."

However, her refusal didn't mean she wouldn't continue to pursue the identity of the employer.

After all, their target was Bradley, and she couldn't simply ignore it!

Michael Hayes: OK, if you're not taking it, then I'll pass for now.

Poppy: No problem, I'm logging off for now.

Freya was about to close the chat interface when another message from Michael popped up.

Michael Hayes: The company's third anniversary is coming up in a few days. Would you be available to meet?

Freya was taken aback. Despite their long-standing partnership, this was the first time Michael had proposed a face-to-face meeting.

All this time, she had worked with him under the guise of Poppy, and he didn't even know her gender. If they were to meet, her identity would be exposed.

She typed a response, "Michael, have you forgotten our agreement? I'm only responsible for coding. I don't participate in any company activities!"

Michael quickly replied, "If I provide you with information about the employer, would you agree to meet?"

Freya hesitated. While she indeed wanted to know who was targeting Bradley, she found herself unable to meet Michael openly as she didn't understand his true identity. Thus, she couldn't be completely honest with him.

Without waiting for her response, Michael quickly sent another message.

"You needn't make a personal appearance, just simply send a representative. The meeting is primarily to address some recent issues the company has encountered and requires your assistance."

Poppy: What sort of issues?

Michael Hayes: Currently, our company is in negotiations with Austin Group regarding a case. However, the recent return of Bradley Austin has thrown a wrench into our plans."