There was quiet in the morning, but by midday, mayhem had broken out.
Michael found his executives frantically going through crisis reports in Hudson Global's glass-paneled boardroom. As the legal team frantically tried to contain the fallout, Henry was on the phone, yelling instructions. a breach of data. The media was given access to confidential documents. The price of stocks is falling every hour.
Edward had hit.
Henry paced next to Michael and whispered, "This isn't random." "This was planned. Someone knew where to strike.
With a grim nod, Michael looked over the report before him. The London-based merger project. The GreenTech acquisition's encrypted files. Access was limited to a small group of individuals.
And we were sold out," Henry continued. "Or there was a hack."
Michael's mouth clenched. He didn't have to speculate as to who was responsible.
The gauntlet had been thrown down by Edward Reed.
There was a reason for the timing. After Edward had pursued Lorna, he was now targeting the empire that Michael had dedicated his life to defending.
Issue a press release. Secure internal access. Michael gave the order for IT to thoroughly inspect our server. Additionally, instruct legal to get ready for a counter-investigation. I'm not going to back down.
Henry paused. "Before things improve, they will get worse."
Michael ran a hand through his hair and said, "I know." But hiding from dangers like him has already cost me too much. I refuse to let fear rule my life or cause harm to those I love.
He spoke in a firm but low voice.
Henry nodded slightly. "I'll get the public relations team going."
Michael looked out the window as he walked away, taking in the city below. All of Hudson Global's assets, including the success he had earned, were under siege. However, there was more at stake this time than just business.
Lorna was the one.
Furthermore, she was unaware of Edward's extreme willingness.
Lorna, meanwhile, was sitting in her wellness center office, gazing at her tablet's news alert.
Sources allege that Hudson Global was breached and that confidential files were leaked.
Her heart pounded. She was aware. All she knew was that it had something to do with Edward.
She hesitated before picking up her phone to call Michael. Would she become a greater target if she reached out?
She jumped when she heard a knock at the door.
Henry was the one.
He whispered, "Michael is coping with the fallout." "He asked me to check up on you."
She said, "I saw the news." "This, isn't it my fault?"
Henry gave a headshake. "No. Edward is attempting to ruin him. Michael doesn't blame you, but he wanted you to hear something from me. And he isn't going anywhere.
Her throat constricted. "How bad is it?"
"Unfortunately," Henry said. "But losing his company is less important to him than losing you."
Lorna's gaze expanded. "What?"
"He's ready for that scenario. You ought to understand how important you are to him."
Michael returned to his private office at Hudson Global, locked the door, and turned on his laptop.
His encrypted inbox was waiting for a new message.
You are not impervious to harm. Avoid Lorna at all costs, or I'll ruin you. Indefinitely. —E
Michael's anger simmered beneath the surface as he gazed at the screen.
He wasn't merely going to keep her safe.
He was going to put a stop to this.