"Have you noticed how close you've been getting to Howard recently?" Lana suddenly asked during breakfast.Nadia paused for a moment before replying, "What makes you think that? Dr. Howard and I are just good friends."Lana found it perplexing. The two often went out together. They would stargaze and enjoy the view of the sea, yet she said they were only friends. Lana observed that Nadia seemed focused on making money, even more so than herself. It might have been a result of scars from her past relationship. She also showed little interest in anything else.Nadia might not have been aware of the depth of Howard's feelings for her. However, Lana could tell that Howard's feelings went beyond the usual doctor-patient relationship.Despite that, Nadia didn't seem to want to discuss it, and Lana respected her decision.She steered the conversation toward the topic of money. "Nadia, have you completed the plan I asked you to work on?""Are you referring to the plan for opening new b
"Are you 'S'?" Lana asked.Carol avoided her gaze, and her response remained ambiguous."I'm sorry, but I can't disclose that information. People from the National Security Bureau tend to keep their identities confidential."Carol's response was carefully crafted, leaving room for two interpretations.The first interpretation was that she was "S". However, her association with the National Security Bureau stopped her from confirming it.The second interpretation was that she wasn't "S". But her position within the National Security Bureau prevented her from speaking freely.However, despite Carol's explanation, Lana remained unconvinced.The truth was, Lana was "S"!Lana quickly figured that Carol must have a hidden motive for impersonating "S".One onlooker exclaimed, "Ms. Carol, you're 'S' after all? What a surprise! I've been a huge fan. I've been revisiting your exploits every day."Another chimed in, "You've been trending all over recently. You're a true hero in Zanteles
In the evening, Liam attended a wine-tasting event at Irwin Winery. It was the largest winery in Gilsbury. The owner, a true Fleinese, exclusively imported their red wines from Fleines by air.Businesspeople were drawn to this venue for their negotiations. On one hand, the atmosphere was tranquil, and on the other, they could enjoy authentic wines. It was a perfect win-win.Liam, a connoisseur with a taste for meat and red wine, held a VVIP status here. The winery's owner extended a personal welcome, even pouring a glass of wine that had just arrived on a plane earlier that afternoon.Savoring his drink leisurely, Liam quietly eavesdropped on conversations around him. His deep gaze was focused on a particular spot, showing his thoughts were elsewhere.As the evening unfolded, people entered and exited, yet Liam remained silent. He didn't say a single word.The others believed Liam was in a foul mood and it was wise to avoid him.Before long, two more individuals arrived—a man
Olivia and Billy anxiously followed Lana into the dining area. But they were left utterly dumbfounded.Lana was chatting enthusiastically with the foreign guests in fluent Balanese. The foreigners were visibly astonished. They hadn't expected such fluency from the owner of a pasta restaurant in Zanteles.Olivia and Billy exchanged surprised glances, both in awe of Lana's remarkable abilities.After completing the foreigners' orders, Lana found herself surrounded by Billy and Olivia."Boss, you're incredible," Billy exclaimed. "I admire you even more now.""Lana, I want to be your apprentice. Consider me at your service from now on," Olivia eagerly added.Lana blushed in response to their unexpected reactions. She wondered if they truly believed she lacked competence.However, today's unfolding events served as a wake-up call for Lana. As a renowned chain restaurant owner, she realized that her wait staff should not only speak one language.It was time to implement a training pr
"Are you really 'S'?" a voice asked in awe."'S', could you please give me an autograph? I can talk about every case you've been involved in. I'm your loyal fan," another voice exclaimed excitedly."Please do your best tomorrow, 'S.' I will be there to support you," chimed in another.Carol smiled at Nelson's classmates and said, "Thank you for your support. I will give my best performance tomorrow. Now, please allow me some time to complete my task, okay?"Upon the top hacker's words, no one dared to linger. After they pledged their support for Carol at the competition, Nelson politely escorted them away.Zeke didn't know much about hacking. Still, he knew it was an impressive skill that brought glory to the country.Looking at Carol, his eyes filled with affection. "Carol, if that's the case, I won't disturb you anymore. I'll also be at the competition tomorrow to support you."Carol remained silent. Her fingers danced across the keyboard, the rhythmic clacking sounds filling
Inside the stadium, Liam and other key sponsors occupied the front row just below the stage. It gave them a direct view for easy communication with the contestants later.Behind them stood the translation team. It was essential as the competition featured not only Zantelians but also contestants from around the world.Further back, excited hackers and dedicated fans filled the seats. They eagerly awaited the opportunity to see their idols in action.In the farthest corner were fans of the renowned hacker "S". They waved banners, spun glow sticks, and cheered loudly. Their voices echoed throughout the stadium, creating a vibrant atmosphere.Onstage, after the host's introduction, all contestants stood in perfect formation.Amidst them, one elegant figure stood out, immediately capturing everyone's attention.As the only female contestant, Carol naturally attracted admiring glances from the men. It caused Chris in the audience to feel a flush of heat wash over him.The host was ab
Rumors circulating online suggested a romantic connection between hackers "Z" and "S". Carol now firmly believed the idea.If Liam had no feelings for her, he wouldn't have revealed himself as "Z" in front of the entire world once he found out she was "S".What a despicable man!He had rejected a golden opportunity yet orchestrated such a grand spectacle. Was he trying to emphasize the depth of his feelings?Carol was convinced that after today, she and Liam would get back together.While Carol was brimming with confidence and hope for the future, the host snapped out of his shock. With "Z's" confirmation of issues with this elite-level task, the truth became undeniable. He turned to Sullivan for assistance.Rising to his feet, Sullivan addressed the audience in fluent Zantelesian."I apologize for meeting you all in this manner. I rushed here for this competition precisely related to this matter. "The task I assigned this time was poorly conceived, resulting in a bug that d
Sullivan remained calm as he looked at Carol. With a smile, he said, "To prove that you are indeed the hacker 'S,' there's a very straightforward way. "Just like 'Z' did earlier, you can log into your account on the World Hacker Network right now, in front of everyone."Upon hearing this, Carol's face turned as pale as a ghost."That's right, Carol. Show him the truth, make him back down," a voice urged from the crowd."We have nothing to worry about. I mean, why should we? If you don't prove it, these people might keep bothering you," another person said, trying to reassure her.Carol's hand, hanging at her side, clenched into a tight fist.At this moment, her nosy fans should have just shut their mouths. Why were they still goading her on?From Carol's expression, Sullivan and the other judges had grasped the situation.What Sullivan had stated earlier seemed to be true. Carol had become too bold. First, she impersonated Liam's savior, and now, she pretended to be a national