Chapter 33

Something about Sebastian's words stirred a strange feeling in Abigail’s chest. Still, she replied, "No, I understand. The company has its channels and protocols."

She wanted to act like everyone else, but she didn’t have that kind of confidence. She was already beyond grateful that Halden Group offered her IT jobs. No matter how unfairly she was treated, she had no choice but to endure it.

Back in prison, when she was beaten, she had once tried to fight back. But later she learned that in the face of an absolute system, personal resistance was painfully small, and the price of even a single act of rebellion was devastating.

They stopped in front of a fast food store. Abigail glanced at her phone and saw it had the best reviews. She turned to Sebastian and suggested, "Let's go with this one."

Sebastian responded with a simple hum, and the two of them stepped inside.

Sebastian wore a mask, but it didn’t attract any attention. After all, cosplay had become common among young people. The store owners had been used to it.

Abigail kept eating, while Sebastian, whose tolerance for strong flavors was clearly low, barely ate. After a few bites, the chili sauce had him coughing softly, and his ears turned red.

Abigail noticed his lips, reddened by the spice, and couldn’t help but smile.

She thought, 'His lips have a flawless shape. Now, glowing crimson, they make him unexpectedly look appealing.'

She bit into a piece of roast lamb, her face lit with an easy smile. "You can’t handle spicy food, huh?"

Sebastian covered his lips with one hand and gave a small cough. "Yeah, it’s a bit spicy for me,"

"Drink something," Abigail slid one of her drinks over to him.

Too much soda wasn’t good for health, but Abigail liked it anyway. Whenever she felt upset, a sip would always help her feel better.

Sebastian took it, then, with practiced precision, wiped the can clean with a handkerchief he’d brought with him. Only after that did he pull the tab and take a sip.

It was sweet, and the burst of carbonation on his tongue wasn't bad, but he didn’t really like it. Still, watching Abigail alternate between bites of fried chicken and sips of soda, looking so thoroughly content, he couldn’t help but take another sip himself.

To Sebastian, her world seemed so simple. A meal that cost less than a few dozen bucks and a one-dollar soda were all it took to light up her face with genuine joy.

It was the first time since they’d met that he saw her look so relaxed.

After eating, they returned to the hotel. Abigail was beyond sleepy by then, but before heading into her room, she stopped at the door of Room 338 where Sebastian stood and said, "I won’t let you down tomorrow."

Sebastian didn’t respond directly. Instead, he said, "Good night."

Abigail scratched her head, thinking, "Yeah, it’s so late already. Talking about work now might just cause insomnia."

The next morning, Abigail arrived at Halden Group headquarters with Sebastian.

She was just about to look for Dutton when Sebastian spoke first, instructing Jackson at his side, "Have Dutton bring me everything on the Firewall so far. Also, send a laptop to my office."

Jackson looked briefly confused but nodded in reply.

Just as Abigail was about to follow Jackson, Sebastian’s low and firm voice came again. "Come upstairs with me, Abigail."

Abigail let out a swift "Okay" and followed him.

Jackson immediately understood that the laptop was for Abigail. He thought, Tsk, Dutton embarrassed her yesterday, and now Mr. Robinson keeps her close without even a word of reproach.

The realization made his hand involuntarily clench as he turned to walk away. Jealousy surged in his chest as he complained inwardly, I’ve been working for Mr. Robinson for so long. When have I ever been treated like this? Just because I’m not a woman?

Unaware of the storm brewing in Jackson’s mind, Abigail followed Sebastian into his office. A bit nervous, she sat down on the sofa at his gesture, waiting for Jackson to return.

"You’ll work here later," Sebastian said as he stood by his desk and removed his suit jacket. Beneath it, he wore a black shirt with embroidery along the collar and cuffs, looking elegant and striking.

"I think it’s better I work with Dutton’s team," Abigail offered, her expression serious as she pushed distracting thoughts away. Sebastian sat down, eyes peering at her through the mask’s hollow cutouts. "He left you hanging all afternoon yesterday. You’re sure that’s what you want?"

She didn’t respond. Her lips parted slightly in surprise as she thought, 'So he’s doing all this to back me up?'

Before she could say more, the office door opened. Dutton came in, holding a laptop, with Jackson behind him. Jackson placed the notebook down on the coffee table in front of Abigail with a cold face. Then, without a word, he stepped back and left.

"Mr. Robinson, shall we begin?" Dutton asked as he placed another laptop on Sebastian’s desk, his tone overly respectful.

Sebastian gave a nod and then turned to look at Abigail. "How long will you need?"

Abigail was stunned for a second and realized – Sebastian already suspected she’d made progress on the firewall.

"Half an hour," she replied.

Dutton shot Abigail a look, scoffing internally, 'She must be bluffing. Half an hour to finish what we’ve spent two months on? Come on.'

He began presenting the current state of the firewall, explaining while demonstrating.

Thirty minutes later, Sebastian coldly interrupted. "That’s enough. Just watch how she operates."

Abigail stood up, picked up her laptop, and walked over to Sebastian, showing him the firewall system she’d built the night before.

As the system ran, Dutton stared in disbelief as her firewall withstood every attack flawlessly.