Chapter 6
Diana bit her lip. “Should I stay to help?”
“All non–essential personnel, out.”
Sonia could already see that Diana would only be in the way here.
“But…” Diana mumbled.
“Ms. Eaton, this isn’t something you can handle.” Sonia remained composed. “If you really want to help, go pacify the high–level clients who’ve lost network access.”
Many technicians in the room were already showing impatience with Diana. Everyone’s nerves were stretched to the breaking point. Every alarm that sounded here could mean millions of dollars
in losses.
Since Diana had entered, everyone had noticed her behavior.
If not for her relationship with Conrad, they would have told her off long ago.
Diana clenched her fists and could only leave the control room.
After identifying the hackers‘ target as the core AI experimental database, Sonia led the security
team in a counterattack.
Thirty–plus hours of continuous defense and offense nearly brought the team to collapse. She herself had barely slept, maintaining alertness through iced coffee alone.
By dawn of the second day, the system stabilized.
The hackers‘ signals were countered, their source traced and tracked back to an underground server
somewhere in Morocco.
When all warning lights went out and screens returned to normal, the control room filled with the
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One Month Countdown: Leaving My CEO Husband
16.7
Chapter 6
quietest yet most powerful sound–applause.
She had accomplished an almost impossible defensive victory.
While other technicians went home exhausted to rest, Sonia headed to the general manager’s office to report.
The manager was thrilled to hear of the successful counterattack. “Sonia, this is all thanks to
you–you’ve saved the company hundreds of millions in losses!”
“It wasn’t just me,” Sonia replied. “The team worked excellently together.”
“You’re too modest. Without the sentinel program you wrote, we never would have lasted this long.”
The manager knew her capabilities and made one final attempt to retain her: “Are you really determined to go to the NSA? Why not stay with the company? I’ll figure something out about the position.”
He understood Sonia’s potential in network AI. She was the youngest and most visionary cybersecurity architect in New York, perhaps all of America. Her departure would be the company’s most devastating loss.
Sonia smiled and shook her head. “I’ve made up my mind. But don’t worry–if you need my help in
the future, I’ll come when I’m available.”
Seeing her determination, the general manager stopped insisting.
As Sonia left the manager’s office, she saw Conrad striding toward her.
She was about to speak when the man walked directly past her, saying only: “Ms. Coleman, I need to
talk to you.”
Sonia, who hadn’t rested for a day and night, fought off her fatigue and followed Conrad to the
balcony.
“What do you want to say…” she began, exhaustion written across her face.
“Why did you target Diana in the control room?” he suddenly asked.
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