Nero - Revenge never tasted better

Chapter 18 - The Hacker's Gambit

The lavish ambiance of Masa's sushi bar nestled in the heart of New York City formed a striking contrast to the covert nature of our rendezvous. The restaurant, bathed in a gentle, subdued glow, boasted opulent decor, plush leather seating, and glittering crystal chandeliers. Attentive waitstaff, clad in impeccably tailored black uniforms, moved with an almost ethereal grace, serving meticulously crafted dishes to the discerning clientele. It was a realm of culinary opulence, far removed from the shadows of Crimson Hollow.

I had orchestrated this meeting under the pretense of spending time with Eric and his family, a ruse to escape Nicodemo's watchful eyes. In truth, we awaited the arrival of a virtuoso hacker, a maestro of the dark web hidden within the anonymity of the city that never slept. He was our last hope, hidden within the anonymity of New York City, far from the stifling grasp of Crimson Hollow

Even in the shadowy world of secrets and betrayal, I held fast to my standards. If we were going to delve into treacherous territory, we would do it in style.

Seating at a corner table, I glanced around discreetly, ensuring that we remained unnoticed in this opulent setting. On one side sat Andhorra, her sharp eyes surveying the restaurant as she sipped her champagne. On the other side was Eric, his calm demeanour belying the tension in the air.

I carefully cradled the early 2000s PC in my hands, its weight a tangible reminder of the secrets it held. It was a relic, clunky and outdated in today's world of sleek laptops and smartphones. But this archaic device was a treasure trove of information, and its existence held the key to unravelling the answers I was so desperately seeking.

As my gaze fell upon its aging interface, memories of the recent forest excursion with Thomas, Jonas, and Zachary flooded my thoughts. Merely a week had passed since the eventful hunting game.

Emerging victorious, I had finally compelled Thomas to disclose that the information I sought was contained within this very PC. Remarkably, he had surrendered it to me without hesitation.

My mind grappled with the mystery of his betrayal. He was the designated heir to Nicodemo, bound to me through our impending marriage, and consumed by a relentless craving for power. Such a selfless act was entirely out of character for him. Furthermore the high-ranking officers of The Clan had already begun to doubt his capability to lead, making his actions all the more confounding.

Love, on its own, proved an insufficient explanation for his actions, for he was a man enshrouded in the cloak of shadows, a creature driven by sinister desires and an appetite for violence.

It occurred to me that he might have discerned the looming threat to his coveted position. Eric, my chosen successor, loomed as the immediate heir should Thomas falter. Perhaps he believed that aiding me would, in turn, grant him my favor and facilitate his rise to prominence among the esteemed high-ranking officers, securing his place as the indisputable heir once and for all.

However, he was also a master manipulator, skilled in the art of power play. I had borne witness to his craftiness and artful deception on multiple occasions, most recently at the prom. Therefore, it was conceivable that his betrayal was merely another calculated maneuverer, a shrewd tactic to gain leverage over Nicodemo. Assisting me might serve as a means to further manipulate the power dynamics within The Clan, all while securing his personal interests.

But my musings were abruptly interrupted as the hacker, Tom, strode into the restaurant. He defied every clichéd image I had ever harboured about hackers. Instead of a young man in his twenties, shrouded in a dark hoodie and cap, Tom exuded an air of sophistication and affluence that seemed incongruous with the world of cyber espionage.

His attire bespoke meticulous tailoring, a turtleneck of unparalleled quality that rivalled the most esteemed fashion houses. His suit trousers remained immaculate, and a Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime watch adorned his wrist—an emblem of grace and luxury. The question lingered: Was hacking his sole source of wealth?