Page 107 of My Husband’s New Fiancée

“Luc, could you explain what happened this morning and earlier this afternoon?”

The technical director nods.

“This morning at 10:37 a.m., we were hit by a massive, coordinated attack against our research servers.”

At the words massive and coordinated attack, Bianca straightens almost imperceptibly.

An anxious murmur ripples around the table.

“The intruders exfiltrated several files dating back two years, listed under the name NRX-889.”

Louane Nguyen speaks up then, her expression closed off.

“The NRX-889 file is part of Valeria... Delorme’s research. Based on the information I have, it involves a treatment with tremendous potential, though still dangerous in its current state. The project was suspended following Ms. Ivanov’s disappearance. Unfortunately, the current results are promising enough to attract unscrupulous individuals.”

I give the executives a few seconds to absorb the information before continuing:

“However, Ms… Delorme anticipated that risk. She moved the real data onto an isolated server. All they recovered were abandoned research files and unusable leads.”

Glances are exchanged around the table without a word being spoken.

Then I drop the real bombshell:

“But most importantly, she embedded a tracker into the stolen files.”

The lead in Bianca’s mechanical pencil snaps sharply against her notebook.

She replaces it in two quick clicks before brushing the broken pieces aside with the back of her hand.

I continue as though nothing happened:

“This tracking system should allow us to trace the breach back to those responsible.”

Arthur Picard, the head of legal, reacts immediately.

“I’m not sure that’s entirely legal. Ms. Delorme can’t booby-trap files, even to protect company data.”

“To my knowledge, she didn’t install any malware. Just a simple tracking system.”

Arthur nods slowly.

“In that case, it makes sense. If she suspected industrial espionage, this could even constitute solid evidence in legal proceedings.”

I pretend to consider that for a moment before conceding:

“That is, in fact, what she’s hoping for.”

The more we speak, the paler Bianca becomes.

Her gaze drifts to the door Sandrine disappeared through with the secure case containing all the phones.

“You don’t sound entirely convinced yourself…” Arthur points out.

“Ms… Delorme reappeared after two years of absence. You understand that we have to remain cautious, especially since I still don’t know why she disappeared in the first place.”

Some of the tension leaves Bianca’s features at those words, even if the rest of her body remains taut.

When the meeting finally ends, the executives leave the room in heavy silence.