SWNOVELS Chapter 31
Chapter 31
Marc had retired from the army and switched to a desk job nearly seven or eight years ago . trace technique , and his hands were feeling a little raw now as he was out of practice
After reacquainting himself with the skill , his hands gradually regained their former agility .
had been a long time since he last used the hack and
Over the years , he had never personally investigated anyone . Even when he desired to do so , it had always been Thomas handling such matters . However , that guy was quite wasteful , allowing Pearl Woolery to remain under his nose for three whole years with a fake name , Pearl Shepard !
It made Marc want to blow his
top
Fortunately , it was just Pearl . The consequences could have been said if she had been a corporate spy
However , upon conducting his personal investigation , Mare realized he had wrongly accused Thomas Pearl’s data and files were highly encrypted . beyond the reach of ordinary hackers .
Marc had received professional training in the army , but his expertise lay in sniping , not tracking . Lucas was the real tracking expert , but that guy refused to assist him and even seemed to have a crush on Pearl
The mere thought of it is
ignited a spark of irritation within him .
I have pressed the enter key and eagerly awaited Pearl’s information . Mare took a deep breath , took a sip of water from his glass , and prepared to get to
know his ex – wife .”
However , just as it was about to appear , the webpage suddenly appeared
Marc’s eyes widened , and he clicked the mouse . Instead of the expected information , a string of garbled code filled the screen , followed by the buzzing sound from his computer . The other party had not only canceled the data request but also launched an attack
His expression changed dramatically . He threw his water glass onto the table and began furiously typing on the keyboard , engaging in a full – fledged battle with the unknown hacker .
However , the other party’s hacking skills far surpassed their own , Lines of digital code danced across the screen , converging at the center to form a picture . It was a hand gesture , specifically , the middle finger .
After the picture of the middle finger disappeared , a word appeared on the screen . LOSER!
Marc’s face darkened as he angrily slammed his laptop shut .
Pearl glanced at the screen , a disdainful smirk forming at the corners of her lips .
She glanced at the re – encrypted file and laced her dingers , relishing the thought of her opponent seeing things with anger and feeling so happy . Tight me in your next life , she taunted .
Lucas sat on the sidelines , Jooking completely dumbfounded
Ever since Pearl had powered up the computer and started working her magic , he knew she was skilled , but he never expected her to be this extraordinary . It was nothing short of awe – inspiring !
Her file was protected by the AES ( Advanced Encryption Standard ) , not an easy nut to crack . While the other party was busy attempting to break through , she re – encrypted her files . She embedded an NSA – standard anti – tracking device within the AES effectively turning the tables an her adversaries !
Adding insult to injury , she flipped him the middle finger and branded him a loser . It was totally a blatant act of provocation that was as audacious as it was bold .
Clearly , she had unleashed all the pent – up frustration she’d harbored throughout the day on that unfortunate koser .
sortTICS
Pearl closed her laptop and helped to close Laras opened her mouth . ” What’s with the surprise ? Aren’t you a hacker , too ! You’ve probably seen things like this before
Lucas gulped , and his mouth tightened into a thin line .
” Yes , I’ve seen my fair share , but I had no idea there was a stunning beauty like you in the hacker world . That display was truly a sight for sore eyes. ” As Pearl focused on her computer screen , lines of code flowed effortlessly from her graceful fingertips . Her composed and strategic demeanor resembled that of an ancient martial arts heroine . She was so gorgeous , and Lucas never thought she was also a top hacker .
The scene seemed so mesmerizing that it was almost intimidating to watch
Pearl accepted Lurass compliments graciously and shot him a sidelong glance “Don’t be so narrow–minded. Plenty of talented beauties are out
4:11 PM
Chapter 31
there, and you’ll meet more in the future.”
“I don’t need more, and one of you is more than enough.”
Lucas smiled and winked at her.
Pearl took a sip of the water Mason handed ber and gave Lucas a look. “Enough, it’ll make you look greasy if you keep this up.”
Lucas immediately dropped his face. He was in the prime of his life and hadn’t reached middle age yet. Why did she say that he looked so greasy!
Today, Lucas received too many teasing words from Pearl. He had always been vengeful, so he also teased Pearl in return. “Right now, I bet Marc is sitting in front of the computer, questioning his life choices. I really feel so bad for my friend.”
Pearl’s heart skipped a beat, and she furrowed her brow,”
row, “Who are you talking about?”
“Mare. Your ex–husband. Marc.
Locas words hit Pearl like the sudden special sound effects in a movie or TV show, creating a strong impact.
“He asked me to investigate you before, but I said no. I think that it should be him who just did that.”
Pearl asked incredulously. “Are you saying that was Marc with that bad level of hacking technique”
Lucas couldn’t help but chuckle, almost spitting out the water in his mouth,
one who dared to judge Mare’s hacking technique.
It seemed Pearl was the only one
Pearl reopened her computer and checked the IP address of the person who tracked her. Sure enough, it was located in Males House, Machodean! It was Marc’s place.
An unkind burst of laughter came from Lucas. He defended his friend. “Mare has been out of the army for many years. He probably forgot most of what he learned in basic training. Besides, he’s a sniper. This isn’t his forte. Compared to your hacking technique, he’s no match.”
Pearl couldn’t help but put her hand to her forehead, wondering what trouble she had gotten herself into.
Mare stood by the window, smoking a cigarette in silence, wearing a gloomy expression.
His hacking technique wasn’t as sharp as it used to be. He needed more practice if he wanted to crack Pearl’s files fully. Why was she so mysterious?
What secrets was she hiding?
And who was the expert helping her hide it all
Perhaps he needed to visit Nanston in person to get the answers
Marc extinguished his cigarette and dialed a number on his cell phone.
Lucas had been speaking ill of Marc when his cell phone rang. He checked the caller ID and laughed. “Speak of the devil, and here he is
Pearl’s heart inexplicably tightened when she saw it was Mar
Lucas picked up the phone and greeted, “Hey..”
Marc’s number.
His expression was teasing as he glanced over at Pearl, who responded with a stern look and a silent warning conveyed through her lips. It clearly conveyed. “If you dare to speak out of turn, you’re in trouble!”
She raised her right thumb to her neck in a threatening gesture.
Lucas couldn’t help but chuckle when he observed Pearl’s anxious demeanor, and Marc’s composed voice came from the other end of the phone. “You mentioned looking at a piece of land in the northern suburbs of Nanston for the racecourse business, Count me in.”
“The land is owned by someone else , and I’m also negotiating with another party for po
Lucas said while he glanced at him .
potential collaboration . Nothing has been finalized
” Enough with the small noticing her stern expression , Suddenly , he thought adding Marc to the mix might be a good idea .
are we doing this or not ? Marc impatiently inquired .
1ucas’s lips curled into a simile as l
That’s how I answered . ” Let’s do it . ”