Aubrey looked up and saw that every computer screen in sight displayed the same image. The sight made her tremble. Employees, noticing her reaction, tiptoed around her, barely daring to breathe. Those curious enough to glance at Aubrey quickly retracted their gazes upon meeting her furious eyes.
Aubrey swept her gaze across the room. Through gritted teeth, she named several employees and instructed Charles to dismiss them immediately. Then, turning to the technical department, she scolded, "Is this how you work? How could the company's system be so easily hacked? And after all this time, none of you have solved it? Did I pay all of you to humiliate this company? If you can't resolve this, get out!"
The employees, well-versed in Aubrey's temper, braced themselves for her outburst. They seethed in silence as she lashed out.
The technical department manager, summoning his courage, stepped forward. "Ms. Pearson, this virus is incredibly powerful. It must have been created by a very skilled hacker. We need more time to crack it."
Aubrey glared. "Solve it as quickly as possible! Otherwise, you can pack your things and leave with the others!"
The manager nodded hurriedly, urging his subordinates to work faster. The employees suffered under her wrath.
Aubrey's face turned purple with rage as she stared at the two figures on the screen, silently clenching her fists. How dare they humiliate me? she thought. They'd better not let me find out who they are, or I'll make their lives a living hell.
Early that morning, Roxanne was preparing to send Archie and Benny to school when Benny clutched his stomach and walked out of the room. Worried, Roxanne asked, "What's wrong?"
Benny's face contorted with pain. "Mommy, my stomach hurts. Can I stay home from school today?"
Archie then emerged, mirroring Benny's complaint. "Mommy, my stomach doesn't feel well either."
Roxanne frowned. "Maybe you both ate something bad last night. Go rest. I'll call your teacher."
Archie and Benny nodded. As Roxanne left, their eyes gleamed mischievously. Roxanne remained completely unsuspecting. Her sons had always been obedient and enjoyed kindergarten; the thought of them faking illness never crossed her mind.
After calling the school, Roxanne gave the boys warm water and indigestion medication. They cooperated fully. Although she had planned to go to the research institute, she worked from home instead, given the children's illness.
After settling Archie and Benny, Roxanne went to her study. The moment the door closed, the boys' spirits soared, their earlier exhaustion vanishing. Benny switched on the laptop, grinning at the uncracked virus.
"That evil woman must be at the office now," Archie declared, checking the time.
Benny snorted. "Then she must have seen my animation. I bet she's furious!" The image of Aubrey's enraged reaction filled them with glee.