Chapter 95: Chapter 95

For the following days in the week, Jessica was focused on improving their popularity. The news about them winning two major contracts twice in a row, even after bidding with Turner Group, spread around the country. Investors from far and wide were reaching out to them. Jessica wasn't placated by their speech and sweet promises. She was very careful to choose good investors.

She didn't want to choose those that would cause them more harm than good. She made even deeper research about them. Things that were hidden from the mere media's eyes.

Jessica didn't bother with whatever was going on with the Turner Group or the Reid family. She had given them assignments, things that would keep them very busy for a while. She wasn't going to disturb herself with them for now. When they were done solving this case, she would continue by giving them another matter to deal with.

"Couple goals." She mocked under her breath.

***

Edwin had a trail of wetness on his face. It was left by a single bead of sweat. Edwin never sweated to do anything concerning his business. But this one made him sweat. It made him concerned.

He didn't know who was responsible for it, but he could see that his company's security system had been tampered with. Not only that, the person who had done it had stolen the files and documents for the contract he was to bid on. Perhaps that was why his worker stuttered all through the presentation, speaking utter gibberish. The audience must have been very bored with it.

He was trying to crack it with the little knowledge he had, but he wasn't making any getaway.

His phone began to ring. Scowling, he slammed his hand on the phone. He was pissed and he didn't need any kind of disturbance. Unknown to him, his hand had hit that answer button and the loudspeaker button as well.

"Ed, what's going on with the company?" Roy's voice, laced with concern, broke into the silence of his office.

Edwin sighed when he heard Roy's voice fill his previously silent office. "Man, I don't know who I offended. But someone is out to get me, I can tell."

"Well, what happened? Didn't you get the contract? You've been pretty quiet all week."

"I didn't man. I lost it. And I don't even know who won it."

"Why?"

"Well, I noticed the files had been tampered with. So our presentation was a flop. Secondly, the person sent a series of malware to attack the security system. This leaves us unprotected." Edwin explained tiredly.

"I don't even know what to do anymore. We've tried to un-breach the security breach, but it's not working. We tried to deactivate the malware but it's also not working. Hell, nothing is working!"

Sighing, he added softly. "I'm at a crossroads."

Roy hummed in thought. "Have you thought of hiring a private investigator?"

"For computer malware? Jesus Roy, very smart idea." Edwin said sarcastically.

"Idiot." Roy cursed under his breath. "I mean a computer private investigator. Like a hacker."

Edwin had a brainwave instantly. "That's a good idea, Roy. I never actually thought of that. I do know someone!"

"Yeah, just get in touch with them ASAP. I'll wait for your feedback."

Edwin said his byes and cut the call. He immediately summoned his private investigator. The man was very skilled in computers and hacking. He could decode any code and hack into whatever system. He could also deactivate every kind of malware and trace the source. This was perfect for the job.

"Good day sir."

"Hello, Mr. Hacker," Edwin responded. "How are you?"

"Very well. Do you have any business for me? You usually don't call me to ask about my wellbeing." The man said with all the respect he could muster.

Edwin chuckled. "Actually, I've summoned you because I learned you're an expert in everything that has to do with computer software."

"Yeah."

"Good. I have a job for you. My computer has been tampered with by an external force. The person didn't only bypass my security, but also stole my files, changed my presentation notes just to humiliate me, and also dropped malware as well."

"Hm." The man hummed. "That's not actually a difficult thing to solve. But eh, what exactly do you want me to do?"

"I just listed out my problems." Edwin deadpanned.

"Yes, Mr. Turner. But, what exactly do you want me to do? To deactivate the malware? Or to upgrade your company's security? Or-"

"Listen, Mr. Hacker." Edwin cut him, leaning further into his folded arms on the desk. "My entire life's worth is at stake. I want you to deactivate this malware, upgrade my security systems, and find the doer of all these. That's the most important. The culprit."

"Your bill would be-"

"I will pay anything. Just do it for me!" Edwin groaned. "I don't have time. My company is gradually losing a lot right now. The more the malware finds its way into the system, the more files we lose. The more investors we lose."

"That's not an issue for me, Sir. I will deactivate the malware ASAP. But finding whoever did this might take a little longer than the rest. You will give me a week." He said.

"A week?"

"Yes. I will do the first two before the end of today. But I would like to take my time in finding the culprit so that I do not alert the culprit in the process."

Edwin nodded. "Alright. Go ahead and do your stuff."

The man nodded and left his office. Edwin believed in the words of the man. He was confident because he had heard a lot about the man.

He called Roy to give him feedback. Roy had little doubt about the man. He seemed too good to be true.

Edwin told him that he trusted him. He was confident he could do it.

"After all." He said. "He's an expert."