Sophia Sullivan gazed at her with calm intensity.
"Work with me, and you'll clear your debts while achieving financial freedom."
Abigail Clementson's first reaction was skepticism.
Empty promises from employers were all too common.
But the woman's direct mention of The Nexus put her on edge.
"What website do you need maintained?"
"The Nexus."
Abigail nearly laughed aloud.
The Nexus had long been shut down. Its founder was rumored to be from M-Country—how could he possibly be in A-City?
Yet this young woman carried an aura of absolute authority.
"Miss, if you're going to scam someone, pick a better target. I'm flat broke—"
Sophia produced a contract from her bag.
Abigail skimmed it lazily.
"Another con?"
The figure "100K monthly salary" made her eyes widen.
The terms were airtight, without a single loophole.
Abigail suddenly perked up.
"You're serious?"
"Genuine as it gets."
She still doubted this was the real Nexus.
But the offer was undeniably tempting.
A thought struck her, dimming her expression.
"I only know how to attack systems, not maintain them."
Sophia's gaze never wavered.
"The best defense is a strong offense."
"I believe you can do this."
Abigail's eyes stung.
No one had affirmed her like this in years.
"Once you join, you'll have backend access to investigate any truth you seek."
"Only ten master keys exist, allocated by rank."
Her pulse quickened.
This deal seemed too good to be true.
But she had nothing left to lose.
Might as well gamble.
"I'll sign."
She carefully penned her name and pressed her thumbprint.
"100K monthly. Breach it, and I'll sue."
Sophia smiled.
"My word is bond."
Her phone chimed with a transfer alert.
200K deposited—the exact sum she needed to settle her debts.
"How did you get my account details?"
Sophia replied evenly.
"You left traces when you hacked The Nexus."
"I've erased them for you."
A chill ran down Abigail's spine.
This was elite hacker prowess.
Yet she still couldn't believe Sophia founded The Nexus.
After all, everyone knew its creator was male.
And that he'd died years ago in Sicily.