Mr. Jordan spotted Caleb first. Caleb gave a polite nod. “Director, I’ve already called the bank to request the data.”
Mr. Jordan acknowledged him, then turned to Eddy and the others, remembering that Blanche wasn’t fond of meeting strangers face–to–face.
“Let’s head to the conference room,” he suggested. “I’ll update you on where things. stand.”
Eddy, his expression calm and businesslike, explained, “We can video call the company executives directly. It’ll save time.” He fell in step with Mr. Jordan, heading towards the conference room.
Rebekah trailed behind, utterly smitten by Eddy’s composed, mature charisma. She didn’t care if he’d been married before, or if she’d have to be a stepmother to his son–she was still all in.
Meanwhile, Blanche returned from the other side of the building and saw Mr. Jordan leading two men and a woman into the conference room. The backs of the two men looked vaguely familiar, but she reminded herself that in a city like this, she hardly knew anyone.
Blanche focused on her data analysis, determined to crack the culprits‘ methods and build a trap as quickly as possible.
After listening to the presentation from Eddy’s team, Mr. Jordan felt their approach made sense. Using big data analytics to figure out why the suspects targeted these accounts, and then looking for similar ones to track, seemed like it would yield results quickly.
“Here’s what we’ll do,” Mr. Jordan said. “I’ll talk to the specialist on the other side and let you all give it a shot. The more hands on deck, the better. I doubt she’ll object.”
Rebekah seized the chance to chime in. “Honestly, I trust Eddy’s company more than any so–called specialist. If we prove ourselves, Mr. Jordan, you’ll know….o to call next time. No need to fly in an expert from overseas.”
Mr. Jordan considered her words. “Let’s see how things go.”
Back in his office, Mr. Jordan updated Blanche. “It’s a major security company.”
She nodded. “Yes, their firm not only provides antivirus apps to protect accounts but also specializes in tracking and recovery. I think we should let them try. What
08:03
do you think?”
“You’re the expert here,” Mr. Jordan said, giving her a respectful nod.
He’d always had faith in Blanche, but now, after the earlier false lead, he worried she might be in over her head–she did look awfully young.
“It’s fine,” Blanche replied gently. “I’ve gathered all the data I need. Let’s let them use the office. Caleb and I can go back to the hotel to set up our system.”
“I’ll have the driver take you.”
“No need, Mr. Jordan.” Blanche packed up her things and headed out with Caleb.
Rebekah had already whisked Eddy off to lunch. The head of security, seeing Rebekah’s intentions and remembering Loraine’s encouragement, decided to play matchmaker and left the pair alone, hoping his boss might finally let go of the past. matchmaker and left the pair al As he packed up his laptop, he happened to glance up and spotted a woman who looked strikingly like the late Mrs. Jordan passing the window, accompanied by a young girl. He rushed out in excitement, but by the time he got there, they had vanished.
Blanche and Caleb went to a nearby bistro for lunch. Caleb grumbled the whole way. “Isn’t Mr. Jordan hiring someone else basically saying he doesn’t trust us? You dropped everything to fly out here and help, and he still doubts us.”
“And we even have to chase down the bank data ourselves–no one’s lifting a finger
for us.”
Blanche didn’t seem bothered. “What matters is solving the case and getting the clients‘ money back. The rest doesn’t concern me.”
“Right,” Caleb replied, knowing how easygoing she was.
But deep down, it irked her. She was a top–tier hacker, after all–already overqualified for this job, yet not even trusted. The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she felt.
“Come on, try some of the local specialties.” Blanche slid a plate in front o. The moment he saw the food, his frustration melted away.
leb.
08.03
