A sense of danger crept into every fiber of Joyce's being. She felt her scalp tingling and shivers running down her spine. Now, in her delicate condition, nearing childbirth and with limited mobility, she felt vulnerable. If there was indeed a threat, she had little room to resist. What made matters worse was that her computer had just been shut down. Clearly, her hasty return home had caught the intruder off guard. In the short span of time since the break-in, the intruder had not managed to leave. Therefore, this intruder must still be inside her home, perhaps watching her from somewhere.
With this realization, Joyce forced herself to remain calm. She pretended not to notice anything amiss and sat down in front of her computer as if nothing was wrong. Quickly, she powered it up and swiftly packaged and transmitted all files and data to Dr. Jocelyn. She needed to finish what she had set out to do. As the progress bar on the screen advanced steadily, her heart raced. Her gaze fell on the emergency button beside her, part of the security alarm system installed in her home. When pressed, all security personnel would assemble within 5 minutes, including the alert system linked to Anderson. But she had a strong suspicion that this button was now inactive.
Unfazed, Joyce continued with her task, determined not to let the intruder hinder her from sending the information. Just as the upload was nearing completion, Joyce stealthily reached for the drawer where her small handgun was kept. She had not touched it in a long while. But before she could open the drawer and retrieve her gun, a hand covered hers, pushing the drawer closed.
The person behind her had approached without a sound, showcasing a certain level of skill. Joyce stiffened in response. Luckily, the upload was done, and as she turned, she was shocked to see none other than Grayson! Clint's left hand rested on Joyce's, while his right hand toyed with her gun. "Are you looking for this?" he asked with a smile that, despite its warmth, carried a hint of eeriness.
Joyce, taken aback, exclaimed, "It's you?" In a flash, she connected the dots, "You tampered with my computer? No! Not just the computer! The malfunction in the home automation system and circuits last time, was that also your doing? You pretended to repair them for me, but in reality, you sabotaged them. All to disable my security system and gain access to my home?"
"Exactly," Clint admitted without further concealment. "Unfortunately, you're realizing it too late." Joyce's eyes narrowed, "Could it be? Your target is the EMP technology? Are you sent by Rohomes? That's why you went to great lengths to get close to me, to gain entry into JK Intelligence. You didn't find what you were looking for in the company, so you got close to me, to my home?"
Clint chuckled, "Well done. You figured it all out in one go." Though Joyce had suspected Grayson's motives, she had underestimated his speed of action. She had become complacent. Staring at him coldly, she withdrew her hand from his and moved to protect her abdomen. "You appeared out of nowhere on the sea, pretending to be rescued. It seems you put a lot of effort into that. Your fake identity as Gon Macreddin was flawless, showing the resources and abilities at your disposal. Grayson is probably not your real name. Who are you really?"
Clint shrugged casually. "I don't feel like telling you right now. If you want to know, come back to Rohomes with me, and I'll be honest with you." Joyce's stare turned icier. "So, you are indeed from Rohomes. No wonder you struggled to drive on the left side. Rohomes drive on the right, I knew I didn't misjudge you. Your fine dining etiquette and refined lifestyle suggest a noble background. You are no ordinary person."
"You're correct on all counts," Clint nodded. Suddenly, he reached out and delicately lifted Joyce's chin. Staring at her exquisite face up close, he couldn't help but inhale deeply, feeling a palpitation. As a man, he couldn't resist the primal urge stirring inside him. "Don't touch me," Joyce frowned, pushing his touch away with disgust.
Feeling a sense of disdain, Clint smirked, "The security system here has been disabled by me. No one will enter. Just so you know, I've had Jude taken away. He's on a plane now." Joyce's expression turned cold. "Why did you take Jude? He knows nothing important, the information he has is not crucial. Release him immediately!"
Clint absentmindedly caressed his chin. "Releasing him is not out of the question. Such a small figure troubling me is not worth it. I initially believed I could find what I wanted at your place. Clearly, that's not the case. Joyce, where have you hidden what I'm after?"
Joyce smiled slyly. "Oh, where do you think?" She pointed to her temple. "It's in my mind, where only I have access. I wouldn't store such data on my computer. You assumed too much."
Clint's eyes narrowed. He had worked for nothing. However, he didn't leave empty-handed. Showing a tinge of regret, he said, "In that case, I'll have to take you with me. Rest assured, I'll take care of you... and your children." Joyce's heart skipped a beat. Could it be? Was Grayson prepared to retreat? Taking her with him to Rohomes? She didn't want to leave, her delivery was imminent, Luther's poison was close to being undone, not to mention Andres and Alisha. She didn't want to leave them. Stepping back, she bit her lip defensively, feeling a wave of helplessness.
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