Chapter 195
Alex squinted at Adam’s data, imediately recognizing Violet’s signature. This wasn’t random mischief–it was a calculated hit job, designed to destroy Haven Enterprise completely.
“Whoa,” he whispered, spotting the hidden triggers woven through the code. Touch them wrong, and Violet would unleash something even worse.
He knew her reputation. One wrong move and Haven would collapse But nothing was unbeatable.
Alex pulled up a defensive program, modifying it quickly, In minutes he had something new.
Ace: Upload this now. System activates in 60 seconds. I’ll attack while you watch for alerts. See anything–kill it instantly!
H: Got it.
Alex stared at the countdown. Lucas and Lily materialized beside him, watching breathlessly as their brother prepared for battle. When the clock hit zero, Alex launched his attack. His fingers danced across keys with precision that would have amazed programmers three times his age.
Just as he’d predicted, Violet had rigged an alarm. The moment Alex’s program touched the virus, a tiny red dot flashed–then vanished.
Alex smiled. Nice catch, Uncle Adam.
Across town, Adam eliminated the alert before it could transmit. He reinforced their defenses and joined the offensive. Together, they dismantled Violet’s creation piece by piece.
Their teamwork was flawless. Where Alex created openings, Adam secured them. When Adam faced resistance, Alex found alternatives. Like they’d worked together for years.
In just thirty minutes–half the normal time–they neutralized the threat completely. Haven’s systems returned to normal with no trace of the attack.
Adam sat back, genuinely impressed. Most security teams would need days to accomplish what they’d just done in half an hour.
H: Account number? Payment incoming.
Alex sent his offshore details, trying to stay cool about the sum involved. Five hundred million dollars.
After sending the account, he added:
Ace: Bonus gift attached. Your security needs upgrading. This system creates defense layers that trigger in sequence. Attackers get blocked and traced. When they hit the final layer, my system fights back. Not available anywhere else.
Adam recognized its value immediately. This was cutting–edge tech that would make Haven untouchable. He began installing it across his network.
Something about Ace’s generosity struck him as unusual. Top hackers didn’t hand out proprietary systems for free. It felt almost… personal.
H: Want a job at Haven? Name your price.
Alex nearly fell from his chair. A job offer from Adam Haven–his secret father! His heart raced with excitement.
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Chapter 195
Lucas and Lily traded glances catching their brother’s reaction,
Reluctantly, Alex replied:
Ace: Tempting, but regular jobs aren’t my thing. Need help again? You know where to find me.
As he sent it, regret pinched his chest. Working alongside Adam officially would have been amazing. He winked at his siblings. Maybe someday.
Adam accepted the refusal without pushing. He saved Ace’s contact formation personally–some resources were too valuable to share.
Thomas entered Adam’s office, finally looking relaxed.
“Crisis averted. Tech team’s blown away by the new security.”
Adam’s fingers tapped his armrest. “Damage?”
“Zero. Stephenson Group’s in chaos–fired three security teams already.““”
“Have legal prepare our response,” Adam said, turning toward the window. “They started this. We’ll finish it.”
“About that payment…” Thomas hesitated. “Five hundred million is-
“Pay in full,” Adam cut him off. “Talent like that is worth every penny.”
Thomas nodded and left. This was why Adam remained undefeated in business–he recognized value when he saw it.
At Irene’s house, the triplets huddled in victory.
“You seriously got five hundred million dollars?” Lucas gaped. That’s like… Universal Studios money!”
Alex closed his laptop with a smirk. “Something like that.”
Lily squeezed him in a hug. “You’re the best hacker ever!”
“Shh!” Alex pressed a finger to his lips. “Secret, remember?”
Lucas grinned. “But you and Uncle Adam were perfect together! Like you were born to be a team!”
Alex savored the moment. He hadn’t just helped Adam–he’d worked with him as an equal. “That’s because we are,” he whispered. “Father and son make the perfect team.”
The children exchanged knowing smiles. Their plan to bring their parents together had just gained unexpected momentum.
From the doorway, Joseph watched silently, his eyes betraying pride despite his stern expression.
That night, Irene pushed open her bedroom door, exhaustion etched across her face. Three small figures waited on her bed, practically vibrating with excitement.
“Mom!” They pounced in unison.
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Irene hugged them close, eyes immediately finding Alex. “Haven situation fixed? Everything go okay with Uncle Adam?” Her casual
tone couldn’t mask her concern.
Alex beamed with pride. “Total crushed it! We worked together perfectly.”
“Like they’d been partners forever!” Lucas added.
Irene sat on the bed, drawing all three close. “I was worried sick all day.” She ran her fingers through Alex’s hair. “You promised to be careful, kiddo.”
“Super careful,” Alex nodded. “With Uncle Adam backing me ap, zero risk.”
He hesitated before asking, “Weren’t you worried about him too?”
Irene paused, then smiled softly. “Of course. Nobody wants to see him fail.” Her voice gentled unconsciously. “You really helped him
out.”
“We clicked instantly,” Alex’s eyes brightened. “Like we were-”
“The perfect team!” Lucas blurted, earning a swift kick from Lily.
Irene laughed, color touching her cheeks. “Alright, you three, bedtime. School tomorrow.”
Later, alone in her room, Irene sat on the edge of her bed, fingers hovering over her phone. The urge to message Adam, to confirm everything was truly okay, surprised her with its intensity. Professional concern, she told herself, nothing more.
But as she set the phone aside without texting, she couldn’t deny the relief that had washed through her when Alex confirmed Haven was safe. The image of Adam–steady and focused even in crisis–working in perfect harmony with her son brought a warmth she hadn’t expected.
She caught herself smiling at the thought and quickly frowned. Doctor and patient, she reminded herself firmly. That’s all they were, all they could be.
Yet as sleep approached, her mind drifted to moments they’d shared his rare smiles, his gentleness with her children, the way he’d looked at her that night at the beach. For someone who’d built her life around maintaining distance, these thoughts felt dangerously like connection.
Just temporary, she insisted to herself as she drifted off. But her dreams told a different story.