Chapter 81
Chapter 81
“Have you found out anything?” Mikayla asked,
Maxis opened the file, pulled out a sheet of paper, and handed it to Mikayla. “I found something, but it’s not clear who exactly is behind it. Someone harked into the firewall using an account registered 23 years ago I took some time after work to ask the cybercafe owner, but due to the high foot traffic, he couldn’t remember. Plus, the surveillance cameras broke a few days ago. However, he did say that most of their customers are young people, and if there were anyone outside that age range, he would have remembered.”
They had previously traced the source of the leaked information to a specific cybercafe. By hacking into the cybercafe’s firewall, Maxius could uncover the activities of the user during that period. Luckily, the records hadn’t been cleared yet, which typically happened weekly.
Mikayla stared at the account name and ID on the paper, her elegant eyebrows furrowing slightly
“You asked me to look into our house–hunting incident. I spoke with some news agencies. With Quinnlyn’s help, I cross–referenced a photo from Huxley’s company records. The person in charge of one of the news agencies recognized him as the source of the information. Maxius reported.
“Which news agency is it?” Mikayla asked.
“Apple Times” Maxius recalled.
Mikayla thought. ‘Apple Times.. When I was with Jason, the boss of this news agency once greeted him when we were eating out. Is all this a coincidence? But Huxley must have had something to do with this.
“Mikayla, what’s wrong!” Maxius asked, noticing Mikayla lost in thought
“I’m fine. You can get back to work.” Mikayla placed the paper on the desk, weighing it down with a coffee cup.
Maxius stood up and left the office.
Mikayla glanced at the black and white text on th
her finger on an untrimmed thorn
text on the paper, her fingers playing with the vibrant roses in the bouquet. Absentmindedly, she pricked
Though the cut wasn’t deep, a bead of blood appeared.
Her gaze darkened slightly as she pressed a tissue against the bleeding spot. She walked to her desk and picked up her phone. She dialed a number that she thought she would never take the initiative to make.
As the end of the workday approached, Mikayla instructed Josiah to pick her up from the company. She finished her last bit of work, tidied up her desk, and shut down her computer. By the time she went downstairs, Josiah had already parked the car at the entrance,
“To Victory Restaurant,” Mikayla said.
She had always been curious about how Josiah, who seemed utterly devoid of interest, spent his time waiting for her yet managed to be available
a moment’s notice.
However, after a
all this time together, Mikayla chose not to ask. Often, even if she did, Josiah wouldn’t answer.
Though spring was approaching, the days remained short. By the time they reached their destination, night had already fallen.
Victory Restaurant was a modestly styled Southeast Aploth–themed eatery
As Mikayla entered, a service staff greeted her warmly, “Welcome!”
Mikayla glanced at the hall and said. “I’m looking for someone! Her name is Winora…
ore attentive.
“Yes, Ms. Salvatore. This way, please. The mention of Winona’s name made the service staff even more
Under the service staff’s guidance, Mikayla was led to a small garden at the back of the restaurant. The setting was tranquil, offering a view of Wilmot River below, illuminated by twinkling lights that created a charming scene.
Winona, dressed in an elegant brown mink coat, had already been waiting, sipping on her milk.
Mikayla sat opposite her, glancing at the menu handed over by the service staff. “I have the stewed beef, mini pancakes, broiled shrimps, a serving of pasta, and a mango pudding”
The service staff noted down Mikayla’s order and then turned to Winona, who raised her hand slightly. Just another hot milk for me.”
“Certainly, one moment please,” the service staff responded before leaving.
12
19
12. 15 PM
“So, what do you want?” Winona was surprised that Mikayla had reached out to her.
Mikayla picked up a napkin, folded it, and placed it on her lap with a natural elegance. “The company will launch a new product in two and a half monthis, I hope you can persuade Uncle Logan to hold off on contesting the ownership of Salvatore Group. If he takes action now, it will be a lose- Iose situation for both sides.
As Winona leaned back, she smirked. “What’s the
r matter! Afraid of
of losing Salvatore Group, your lifelong support!”
Mikayla paused, her beautiful eyes lifting to meet Winona’s “Winona, I don’t want Salvatore Group to become collateral damage in our family frud
This
was her reason for calling Winona, With the company nearing its production phase, any family legal battles would undoubtedly affect the new product’s sales.
“Then just hand over
Group, and all will be well, Winona said, crossing her armas.
As their conversation continued, Mikayla’s food began to arrive, while Winona had only ordered milk and a dessert.
Despite the tense company. Mikayla didn’t restrain herself and began to eat. After a long day at work, she needed to replenish her energy
Winona watched as Mikayla ate, savoring each bite of pasta and every dish.
Despite her hunger, Winona hadn’t eaten dinner either. She couldn’t bring herself to eat freely in front of Mikayla.
It took Mikayla about 20 minutes to finish her meal.
Dabbing her mouth with a napkin, Mikayla recalled Winona’s earlier words and spoke. “If Huxley proves himself capable, Dad and I won’t cling to our positions”
“Huxley’s capability is not for you to judge, Winona retorted, her anger flaring at the insinuation
“Then let him recover and prove his competence. Show us that Salvatore Group will thrive under his leadership, Mikayla said, twirling a small spoon between her fingers. Her delicate face was lightly made up, and her sharpness and poise were undeniable even with a thick coat over her blue professional attire.
trying to provoke me. You know that Huxley’s recovery will take at least a month, Winona fumed.
“Mikayla you’re trying to
“Consider it a provocation then. And if you need further motivation, there’s one more thing” Mikayla’s lips curled into a subtle smile. For instance, that car accident”
At these words, Winona face turned pale. Despite her best efforts to remain calm, the trembling of her hands gripping the milk cup betrayed her.
You…
Being confronted so unexpectedly and publicly, even someone as bold as Winona felt a surge of fear. Yet, after a moment of reflection, she realized that if Mikayla had concrete evidence, she wouldn’t be sitting here now
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Winona said.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. If you don’t want me to make it public, I suggest you heed my earlier advice, Mikayla stated firmly.