Chapter 344

Evelyn was stunned into silence. Even through the digital barrier, she could feel the raw intensity radiating from Victor Blackwood—like a predator protecting its territory. The energy was almost tangible, reminiscent of a tyrant marking what was his.

She'd clearly struck a nerve with her question. Hackers like Victor guarded their privacy fiercely, and prying into their personal lives was always a risky move.

Realizing her misstep, Evelyn quickly backtracked. [Just making conversation. Are you attending this year's Global Hacking Summit?]

[Victor Blackwood: That depends.]

She typed, [On what? Something keeping you grounded?]

[Victor Blackwood: My wife. She doesn’t like me traveling too far.]

Evelyn couldn’t help but smirk. Who knew the infamous Ghostlord was a devoted husband? [Congratulations! Funny enough, I just got married too.]

Before she could continue, Ethan Blackwell barged into the chat with his usual lack of tact. [Wait, are you two secretly married IRL? This is straight out of a rom-com! Wait—Master, you’re a woman, right? And Ghostlord’s definitely not. Unless… are you both guys?]

Evelyn rolled her eyes. Victor’s silence suggested he shared her exasperation.

Without hesitation, she booted Ethan from the server. Then, refocusing, she messaged Victor sincerely. [Regardless, I hope to see you at the summit. I’d love to pick your brain about the NuevaNova system’s vulnerabilities and EKX Enterprises’ security flaws.]

[Victor Blackwood: Maybe. If the timing works.]

With that settled, Evelyn logged off. As she closed the dark web browser, another task nagged at her—the architectural design for the Graysons’ new headquarters. She’d promised Nathaniel a draft within three days, but between everything else, she hadn’t even started.

No time like the present.

Opening her design software, she began sketching, her fingers flying across the keyboard as her vision took shape.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel exited the dark web in his study, rubbing his temples. He checked the time, then reached for his phone.

[Mind if I drop by for a bit?]

Evelyn’s phone buzzed mid-sketch. She glanced at the screen, frowned, and typed back. [Why? Something wrong?]

[Nathaniel Grayson: No. Just want to see you.]

She snorted, flipping her camera on. With a quick smirk, she snapped a selfie and sent it. [There. Stare all you want. Goodnight—don’t reply. I’m going to sleep.]

Nathaniel stared at the photo, torn between irritation and amusement. That infuriating, adorable woman.