How dare you bring your woman here?
“Mr. Desmana, I’m not fond of lousy business,” Code X answered.
Bryce forced a smile and immediately gestured to the assistant. “This is not a lousy business. We are willing to give you a huge sum in exchange of your service,” he answered back. “We are also willing to give you ten percent share of the company as our token of gratitude and willingness to work with you, Code X.”
…
Inside the hotel.
Jenica raised her eyebrows and read the follow-up information given by the assistant about the Desmana Group. It turns out, there is a snake in the company that wants to bring Desmana down. That snake gave a valuable information to Desmana’s enemy. And a few days after, an unknown group of hackers attacked Desmana which made them lose almost a billion.
Desmana seems desperate to take Code X’s services and make her a shareholder. Such a bold and smart move from the Company President. If Code X becomes a shareholder of Desmana, they will have someone to tap to when another data breach will happen because being a shareholder will oblige Code X to uphold the company’s welfare.
She clicked her tongue. “Talking on the phone is not sincere enough, Mr. Desmana.”
“Yes, I believe it so I will invite you for a dinner tomorrow evening at Shangrila Resto. We can talk more about this business, Code X.”
Jenica laughed softly. “What makes you think I’ll accept your invitation?”
Bryce was silent for a moment before closing his eyes. “I have a gut feeling you’ll agree, won’t you?”
A big smile appeared on Jenica’s lips. Of course, she will accept Bryce Desmana’s offer because in the first place, her target is the company behind him. “Of course, I’ll accept.”
The next day, Jenica dressed in a summer dress with a summer hat on her head. She also wore glasses and had a mole placed above her left checkbone. Her brown eyes were hidden under the blue contact lens she was wearing and a shoulder bag was hanging on her right shoulder.
She looks like a tourist in that situation. With a smile on her lips, she commuted to the Resto that Bryce told her to. From time to time, she’ll take a picture of the scenery passing by. However, hidden in the eyes of the others, she’s secretly communicating with her assistant.
Soon she reached the restaurant. She raised her eyebrows when a waitress approached her. “Ma’am, welcome to Shangrila Resto.”
“Reservation for Mr. Bryce Desmana,” she said.
The woman was stunned for a moment before she led her into the VIP room upstairs. Bryce was already there and when he saw her, the man frowned. He stood up and approached her. “Code X?” he hesitantly said. Bryce seemed not confident, doubting her identity as the infamous hacker.
“En.” Jenica chuckled. “Mr. Desmana, nice to meet you,” she said then extended her hand in front of him.
Bryce accepted her handshake and a smile grew on his lips. “Likewise, Code X. Please have a seat.”
Of course, he will treat her kindly. Jenica smiled and sat across from her chair. “So care to share your business?” she asked.
As soon as she entered earlier, she secretly looked inside. She didn’t find any hidden camera or any secret guards hiding around the corner. Jenica was glad of the trust Bryce put on her and she thought highly of him. This man knew what he was doing.
He smiled. “I won’t beat around the bush.” And looked directly into her eyes. “I need your help. My company is losing millions because someone leaked our future plans and a group of hackers is attacking our system. I know that you are very good in handling these cases and I am willing to give you company shares if you help us. Whatever I told you over the phone was true.”
Jenica reached for the wine glass and swirled its content. “Why should I help you, Mr. Desmana? You see, everyone’s coveting my skills. I can get more benefits from other companies if I present myself. That ten percent company shares? It’s not enticing enough for me,” she said then smiled widely to him.
Bryce clenched his fist and looked away. After a while he looked at her again. “What do you want, Code X? Wealth? Fame?”
Jenica shook her head and placed the wineglass on the table. “What do you mean wealth? I have enough money to spend for a lifetime. Fame? Don’t you know I am more famous than celebrities in the eyes of the likes of you… Mr. President?” She chuckled seeing her contorted face. “What I want is what you can give me, Mr. Desmana.”
Bryce looked deeply at her. Of course, the man clearly knew what she wanted from him.
“Do you want power?” he asked even though he already know.
Jenica didn’t answer and just looked at him with a smile. Bryce clenched his fist. “Well, I can give you the highest position after me.”
“Nah. I want yours, would you like to give it?” she asked. Bryce pressed his lips together so she laughed. “Of course I’m kidding. The highest position after you is not bad.”
Bryce sighed in relief. “Is that enough?”
“Well…” she trailed off. “I have been traveling abroad for years and just came to the country when you called me.” Jenica sighed. “I’m tired and having a headache and I haven’t bought a house nor booked a hotel yet…”
The corner of Bryce’s lips twitched. He knew that Code X was hinting him at something, but he didn’t have a choice but to bite the bullet. “You can stay in my house while working for the company.”
Jenica smiled widely. “You’re generous, Mr. Desmana. I’ll work hard for you.”
Bryce looked away and called the waiter. They ate their dinner in silence. After a while, they both left the restaurant together.
Jenica had a big smile on her lips and Bryce’s face was emotionless. She secretly turned her gaze to the empty lot next to the restaurant when she saw something, and the corners of her lips curled.
She got into Bryce’s car and sat in the passenger seat. It was Bryce who personally drove the car in order to orient her of the things she needed to know before working for the company.
“Should we sign the contract tomorrow –”
She cut Bryce’s words. “No need for a contract. I don’t plan to stay in the country so I will leave after a month.”
Bryce was silent for a second before he compromised. Well, he couldn’t keep Code X in the country, can he?
Jenica recognized the way to the Desmana mansion.
Bryce suddenly said, “Code X, my family is not aware of this yet, and they might make things difficult for you.”
“Call me Jane, Mr. Desmana.”
“Alright, Jane.” He called awkwardly and handed over a family token. “Keep this.”
She accepted what he gave and looked at it. “Family token?” She raised her eyebrows.RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only
“That will protect you inside the mansion.”
“Oh?” Jenica chuckled. “Why? Do you keep a beast inside your home?”
Bryce’s face darkened so Jenica laughed. She stopped teasing the poor man and looked outside the window. It was late at night so there were only a few people walking on the road.
The lights coming from the establishments were dazzling in the middle of the night, and the cool breeze was blowing gently from the open window of the car. It gently caress her cheeks.
Soon the car entered a huge gate. Two words were engraved on the arch above.
‘Desmana Manor’
Jenica squinted and got out of the car when it stopped opposite the front door. Five maids simultaneously bowed before her as she stood there. “Welcome back, Young Master.”
Bryce raised his hand and led her into the mansion. She was taken aback to see all the Desmana clan members in the living room.
Jenica had asked her assistant to give her the details of the Desmana Clan members before she decided to meet up with Bryce, so she could name them all upon entering the mansion.
The woman in her mid-20s stood up. Frowning, she folded her arms and asked in a loud voice, “Bryce, how dare you bring your woman home?”