Joyce didn't know what else to say. She was just about to head back home when the butler suddenly rushed out from inside, "Mrs. Warner, the smart system in the house has malfunctioned, even the security system is sounding alarms. I tried to reset it, but no response. However, there doesn't seem to be any abnormality in the house. Could you go take a look?"
Joyce was taken aback. Everything was fine in the morning, so how could there suddenly be a malfunction?
"Alright, I understand," Joyce replied.
At that moment, Clint grabbed Joyce's arm and said, "I wasn't planning on going to the office today, so I can help you out. What do you think?"
Joyce was surprised again. It wasn't a bad idea, considering Munin's expertise. However, she couldn't bring outsiders to her home. Despite Munin living in the employee dorms downstairs, there was a strict separation between their living spaces. Munin had never set foot in her home and it was impossible for him to get close.
Too many things had happened in the past, threatening the safety of her children. She always remained cautious.
Thinking about this, she hesitated. She didn't want to hurt Munin's feelings by rejecting him directly. So she shook her head, "No need, it's just a small matter. I can handle it myself. Don't forget, we are colleagues. I am a professional too."
A sharp glint flashed in Clint's eyes. The malfunction of the smart system and security system today was clearly his doing. With Cecelia gone, he could now act. In the early hours of the morning, he had sneaked into the control room and tampered with some things. He saw this as an opportunity to enter Joyce's home and investigate.
Even though he had infiltrated JK Intelligence and knew that Jude was a key member of the electromagnetic pulse defense team, he had yet to find what he was looking for - whether it was blueprints, a USB drive, or data on the computer. He guessed that Joyce's home would have them.
But it was difficult to intervene.
Upon hearing Joyce's refusal, Clint expected it. He calmly said, "Of course, I know you can handle it, but you are not in a good condition right now."
He pointed to her swollen belly, "You probably can't even see your own toes. While fixing the circuits isn't difficult, how do you plan to climb up and down? You're about to give birth, don't take unnecessary risks."
After speaking, Clint looked at the butler, "Do you think I'm right?"
The butler had never expected Munin to ask him, and he didn't know how to respond. He just mechanically nodded.
Joyce was once again struck by surprise. Indeed, she hadn't thought about that. Especially since the control room required climbing a ladder, her belly obstructed climbing. In this situation, she couldn't solve the problem at all.
Seeing Joyce wavering, Clint added, "I know we come from different backgrounds, and you are in a higher position than me. I don't have any other intentions, I just want to repay you for saving me before. You have helped me a lot, and if you won't let me help with this small matter..."
He didn't continue, but the hurt was evident on his face.
Joyce was at a loss for words. She wasn't one to withstand others' emotional manipulation, especially when directed at self-blame. She never looked down on Munin, nor did she feel superior. Besides, there was nothing critical in her home – the security system was airtight, the surveillance cameras covered every angle. What did she have to worry about?
"Alright, come with me," Joyce finally nodded in agreement.
Clint's eyes glinted. He was skilled at manipulating people's emotions, and few could escape his grasp, including Joyce.
Without revealing his intentions, he pretended to be pleased, "Great."
The butler opened the door, and Clint followed Joyce into her home.
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