As the meeting reconvened after the break, the atmosphere felt lighter with the deal on the horizon.
Jess returned from the ladies' room, and Nia, still flushed from her encounter with Zack at the vending machine, tried to refocus. They took their seats again, ready to finalize details.
Lincoln leaned forward, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Before we proceed with the final documentation, there's one more thing we need to discuss—the security of your game. With a platform as innovative and globally expansive as PixelWave, cybersecurity will be crucial. We need to ensure that the game is protected from potential hacks, especially with the type of AI you're using."
Jess nodded, but it was Nia who spoke up, her voice steady. "We've implemented multiple layers of security protocols. Our infrastructure is equipped with state-of-the-art encryption, regular vulnerability assessments, and continuous monitoring systems to detect threats in real-time. We're not taking any chances. We conduct thorough security test to make our Network is secured enough!"
Zack, who had been quiet since the meeting resumed, finally spoke. His deep voice cut through the room like a blade, focused and deliberate. "That's good to hear, but AI systems, especially those that learn from user input, are prime targets for exploitation. If the AI can adapt, it can also be manipulated. You'll need a dedicated team to handle cybersecurity specifically for the AI component. Have you accounted for that?"
Nia looked directly at Zack, meeting his gaze head-on. "Yes, we have. Our cybersecurity team is well-versed in handling AI-driven systems. And while we acknowledge that new threats will always emerge, we're prepared to respond quickly and reinforce any weak points."
Zack's eyes narrowed slightly, not out of doubt, but as though he was carefully weighing her words. "That's a good start. I'll need to go over your systems myself. We can't afford any oversights, not with the kind of exposure PixelWave is bound to get."
Nia felt a flicker of something at Zack's words—was it tension, or something else? The way he said "we" felt personal, as if he was already ingrained in the project, and it struck a nerve. But more than that, she recognized the expertise behind his concern. His professional background along with his NSA background meant he knew exactly what to look for.
"Of course," Nia said, keeping her voice level. "We welcome any insights you can provide."
Zack leaned back, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. "I'm sure I'll have a few."
The meeting continued, but the undercurrent between Nia and Zack was undeniable. They were on the same team, yet there was a tension in the air, a reminder of their shared past and the professional stakes that lay ahead.
As Lincoln stood to finalize the paperwork, he looked pleased. "It sounds like we're all aligned here. The funding is secured, with the conditions we discussed. And with Zack overseeing the security aspects, we're confident that PixelWave is set for success."
Nia nodded, her chest buzzing with both relief and a strange anticipation.
"Now ladies and gentlemen, I will take your leave." Then he turned to Zack. "Melody will assist you in your role Zack. You will have all the necessary support needed to run the ship."
Zack shook hands with his brother, "Don't worry. I will try my best."
"Yeah! Don't call me unless the Company is going bankrupt! Thanks, Ms Mirren and Ms Calrter. It was wonderful meeting you. My brother will be the point of contact going forward."
"Thank you, Mr. Morrison!" Nia said, her voice polite but rushed.
Lincoln chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's Morris, not Morrison. Easy mistake, though. My grandfather's to blame for that confusion—he named the company 'Morris & Sons,' but later decided 'Morrison' had a bit more flair to it. Thought it sounded… zingier. That's how everyone thinks that the CEO will be Morrison."
Nia's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Oh, that makes sense. My apologies, Mr. Morrison- sorry Mr.Morris."
Lincoln smiled, giving her a firm handshake. "Call me Lincoln. No problem at all. Best of luck, Niana, Jessica. And with that, ciao!" With a lighthearted laugh, he turned and exited the room with the same easy grace that had surprised Nia from the start.
After the meeting concluded, Zack and other board members bid goodbye to Nia and Jess.
Nia and Jess gathered their notes, exchanging victorious glances.
Securing the funding was a huge win, but Zack's unexpected involvement in the security side of the project brought a new layer of complication Nia hadn't anticipated.
As they stepped out of the conference room, Jess nudged her lightly. "We did it! I can't believe we pulled that off."
Nia smiled, but it was half-hearted. "Yeah, it's great. But I didn't expect Zack to be part of this. I never in my wildest dream had thought he would be related to Morrison. All this while it's Morris and not Morrison. No wonder Media is as confused as us."
Jess raised an eyebrow mockingly. "You mean, Zachary Alexander Morris, the guy who caught you at the vending machine today? What a catch it was! sparks were flying everywhere" she teased with a smirk.
Nia rolled her eyes. "Yeah. And now he's overseeing the security of PixelWave. Just perfect."
"You think it's a coincidence? Seems like fate is throwing you two together again."
"Or throwing me into chaos," Nia muttered. She glanced down the hallway where Zack had disappeared after the meeting, her mind still reeling from the strange combination of professional focus and personal history.
"Hey, relax," Jess said, squeezing her arm. "The guy knows what he's doing. If he's as good as Lincoln says, having him on board might actually be a good thing for PixelWave. So far only Francesco is unofficially helping us to identify weak areas of our games. Having Zack will be good for us."
"Maybe," Nia sighed, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's just... complicated."
"Complicated is your speciality," Jess said with a wink, holding up a finger. "Come on, let's grab lunch. I'm seriously craving some of that ravioli from Bellissimo Bistro."
Nia laughed. "Didn't you have Ravioli just a day before yesterday from there? I swear, Grandma Lucy has already given you a lifetime supply of free ravioli by now!
Jess grinned. "Can you blame me? My grandma runs the best Italian place in the city. And that ravioli? Worth every bite."
"Let's go. I am also craving something sweet!"