Abigail Clementson stood frozen in place.
She thought she must be dreaming.
Sophia Sullivan's gaze swept over the AI system, tinged with quiet nostalgia. "The world's top hackers once gathered here."
They exchanged intelligence.
Earned points.
Completed missions.
Even contract killings were effortless.
This place had been a treasure trove countless people dreamed of.
That was why her mentor, as the founder of The Nexus...
Ultimately paid with his life.
Sophia lowered her eyes, fingers tightening slightly.
Beneath Sicily's beautiful scenery lay rivers of blood.
Abigail was completely stunned.
She had always believed The Nexus was beyond reach.
When Sophia first mentioned it, she'd dismissed it as a joke.
After all, rumors claimed The Nexus had been shut down for years.
"This... is really The Nexus!"
Abigail's voice trembled.
She hurried deeper into the room, ready to worship Sophia.
"Boss, you're incredible!"
For the first time, Abigail's eyes shone with excitement.
The keyboards, holographic screens, and precision instruments beckoned to her.
"Boss, did you know the founder?"
After the initial shock, Abigail grasped the key point.
What did Sophia bringing her here mean?
"I never lie."
Sophia walked forward without turning.
Those words made Abigail's eyes burn.
The founder was a legend in the hacking world.
"...It's actually true."
Abigail clamped a hand over her mouth, stifling a scream.
She could participate in rebuilding The Nexus?
"I'll register your iris scan later. You can come often."
Sophia crouched to activate the equipment.
Lines of code flooded the screen like a welcome home.
Abigail studied the screen, then whispered, "Aren't you afraid I'll talk, Boss?"
This secret was more dangerous than a bomb.
It would attract endless covetous eyes.
"I trust you."
Sophia's fingers flew across the keyboard.
Code flowed like water, as natural as breathing.
She hit Enter and turned. "Even if you did, no one would believe you."
Abigail froze, speechless.
Only the hum of electricity filled the room.
"Boss, I won't betray your trust."
After the overwhelming impact, Abigail clenched her fists.
No one had ever valued her like this.
Her first half of life had been wasted among trash.
If Sophia hadn't knocked on her door, the second half would've been buried in garbage too.
Sophia smiled faintly at her earnest expression.
She tapped the console. "Time to work."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Abigail rushed over, then noticed the screen's anomaly.
The code was jumping wildly without input.
Her smile vanished, replaced by sharp focus.
"Boss, has this place been hacked?"
Her glasses reflected the suspicion in her eyes.