Meanwhile, in an expansive presidential suite in Central Hotel, Dellmoor, Thalia was sprawled languidly on the couch, barefooted. Her striking red toenails accentuated her porcelain-white legs.
The table in front of her was brimming with fruits and snacks which she munched on while surfing on her phone, making for a leisurely sight.
As for Anthony, he was busy at the computer with Benjamin watching him closely from the side.
It wasn't until Anthony exited the program without a hitch that Benjamin breathed a sigh of relief.
“Tony, what are you doing all this for?” Benjamin asked. “On top of that, you even got yourself detected.”
“Detecting me and finding me are two different matters,” Anthony replied calmly, his gaze fixed on the screen. “Besides, it's not that they found me. I was the one who revealed my presence to them.” He was staring at the screen with a confident and steady expression. The gravitas he exuded belonged to someone a lot more mature than his age.
“But what are you planning?” Benjamin prodded.
“Obviously, I'm trying to see how capable Daddy's men are and whether they have found any useful information. Even though Daddy promised to keep us updated, how much has he shared so far? Despite knowing that we're extraordinary and have joined Darknetz, we will always be children in his eyes. He will definitely not want us to worry, let alone get us involved,” Anthony explained.
Even though Benjamin shared his sentiments, he still couldn't resist asking, “Aren't you worried that Daddy would notice?”
“He won't.”
“Why won't he?” At that moment, Thalia's drawl rang out. “Looks like both of you don't know Kenneth well enough.”
Upon hearing her words, Anthony asked, “What do you mean?”
Thalia looked up from her phone and inquired, “What? Don't you know?”
“Know what?”
“I remember telling both of you about Kenneth's background,” Thalia said.
“Just spit it out.” Anthony sensed something amiss.
“Back then, Kenneth established DX when he was going against Darknetz. Don't you know this?”
“We do.”
“DX's headquarters is located here.”
Anthony was stunned. “Here? Isn't it in Irushea?”
“Hmm? Was that what I said back then?” Thalia knitted her brows while trying to recall that memory.
“Did I not tell you that DX moved its headquarters here shortly after it was founded? Not long after they moved, Kenneth retired for some unknown reason, and DX was left in the hands of another founder. That person is similarly capable and ruthless. Under his management, DX expanded significantly and even recruited many hackers to their side.” Thalia paused briefly before she continued, “From what I've learned, the majority of the top-twenty hackers within the community were hired by him. As to who exactly they are, I have no idea.”
Anthony and Benjamin were both rendered speechless.
“Other considerations aside, DX is filthy rich and was willing to make very attractive offers. As Darknetz was established later and wasn't as well-funded, it was late to the game in terms of recruitment.” Thalia shook her head in regret as she spoke.
Benjamin and Anthony stared intently at her, upset at the unwelcome piece of news.
“Why didn't you tell us this beforehand?” Anthony questioned her.
Thalia tilted her head to look at him. “I assumed that both of you were already aware. Who could've guessed that you don't even know your daddy at all?” She shifted the blame back onto them.
I'm not going to take responsibility for something like that.
Anthony added, “Please tell us everything next time.”
“Okay.”
At that moment, Benjamin, too, heaved a heavy sigh.
When she saw how exasperated they were, Thalia advised them, “Actually, this isn't that big of a deal. So what if Kenneth finds out? He's your daddy, not your enemy. Besides, he didn't protest when he learned that both of you have joined Darknetz.”
Anthony took a deep breath. “It's not that he doesn't object. He just hasn't gotten the opportunity to do so.”
“So what if he's against it? It's not like he can do anything to you,” Thalia retorted.
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