Chapter 35

A man lounged in designer clothes, boots propped arrogantly on the desk like some rebellious troublemaker. He spun lazily in his office chair, radiating complete disregard for everyone present.

His baseball cap shadowed half his face, revealing only a razor-sharp nose and smirk-thin lips. This was the undisputed legend of the cyber world - four-time Global Hackers Union champion, one of only two mythical figures in hacking history - Julian Blackthorn.

"Mr. Blackthorn! Mr. Blackwood will be here momentarily!"

"Let me get you some coffee! You must be exhausted from waiting!"

Tech department employees swarmed their idol like groupies, begging for selfies and autographs in a frankly embarrassing display.

"Don't you people have jobs?!" Ethan Young roared, veins bulging at the unprofessional scene.

The moment Nathaniel Blackwood's imposing presence filled the doorway, the starstruck employees scattered like frightened mice.

"My apologies for the delay, Mr. Blackthorn. May I present Mr. Nathaniel Blackwood of Blackwood Group." Young performed the introductions with diplomatic care, terrified of offending either powerhouse.

Julian remained slouched in his chair, making zero effort to rise or extend a hand.

He tilted his head, that infuriating smirk widening as he visually dissected the CEO.

Nathaniel returned the appraisal with equal intensity, looming over the cocky hacker like a thundercloud.

"So you're the infamous Nathaniel Blackwood," Julian drawled. "Internet's favorite villain these days - the bastard who knocked up his mistress while divorcing his wife?"

The entire room gasped.

Beside Nathaniel, Isabella Lockhart thought dryly, 'This hacker's personality matches his coding style - pure offensive warfare.'

"Ha! Excellent joke, Mr. Blackthorn!" Young forced a laugh, shooting nervous glances at his seething boss.

Nathaniel ignored the jab. "Can you actually identify Scarlet Phoenix?"

Julian sprang to his feet, eyes flashing. "Questioning my skills? I don't waste time on lost causes."

His fingers flew across the keyboard behind him. "Three days coding this tracker. It'll trace the virus that breached your systems straight to its creator."

The hacker's excitement grew with each keystroke. "Give me fifteen minutes, and Scarlet Phoenix's entire identity will be splashed across every screen in this building!"

The cyber world knew only two legends - Julian Blackthorn, the unstoppable offensive force, and Scarlet Phoenix, the impenetrable defense. Eternal rivals, always neck-and-neck in competitions.

Until four years ago, when Phoenix edged out a narrow victory... then vanished. The legend grew until hackers spoke of them in whispers - the digital Bonnie and Clyde.

Julian became obsessed, vowing to unmask Phoenix at any cost.

Nathaniel studied the flashing screens with a businessman's skepticism. "Proceed."

"Or what?" Julian smirked. "Your money means nothing to me."

"Name your price."

"Simple." The hacker's grin turned predatory. "When I expose them, you'll use your considerable influence to make Scarlet Phoenix publicly acknowledge my superiority. Worldwide broadcast. And they'll call me 'Daddy Blackthorn' on every major network."

'This arrogant child,' Isabella thought, suppressing an eye roll. 'All those rumors about a brooding cyber prince - lies. Handsome? Sure. But maturity of a prepubescent troll.'

"Excuse me," she murmured, slipping toward the exit.

'Want me to call you Daddy?' Her lips curled. 'Let Mommy show you how it's really done.'