As Zero Cool delved into the system's logs, Rachel worked alongside, her eyes scanning the lines of code with a mix of concern and determination. Meanwhile, Daisy began drafting a proposal for the bug bounty program and security awareness training, her mind racing with the possibilities.
Tyler paced the room, his thoughts consumed by the potential implications of the hack. He knew that every minute counted, and he needed a solution fast. "Zero Cool, how's it going?" he asked, his voice firm but laced with a hint of urgency.
Zero Cool looked up from the screen, her eyes narrowed in concentration. "I'm finding some interesting patterns, Tyler. It looks like the hacker was trying to cover their tracks, but I think I can follow the breadcrumbs."
Tyler nodded, his mind racing with the possibilities. "Keep at it, Zero Cool. We need to know who did this and how they did it."
As the hours ticked by, the team worked tirelessly, each member focused on their task. The tension in the room was palpable, but they knew they were working towards a common goal - to protect Ace Corporation and its reputation.
As the hours passed, Zero Cool's eyes remained fixed on the screen, her fingers flying across the keyboard with a speed and precision that belied her calm demeanor. Rachel and Daisy worked alongside her, their faces set in determined lines.
Finally, Zero Cool leaned back in her chair, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. "I've found it, Young Master," she said, turning to Tyler. "The hacker's entry point was a phishing email sent to one of our junior employees. From there, they were able to gain access to our system and start digging for sensitive information."
Tyler's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "Who was the employee?" he demanded.
Rachel hesitated before speaking up. "It was Emily, Young Master. She's a new hire, and she didn't know any better."
Tyler's expression softened slightly. "See that she's trained properly, Rachel. I don't want anyone else falling victim to this kind of thing."
Daisy spoke up, her voice firm. "I'll make sure of it, Young Master. And I'll also make sure that our security protocols are updated to prevent this kind of thing from happening again."
Tyler nodded, his eyes still fixed on Zero Cool. "And what about the hacker, Zero Cool? Can you find out who they are and where they're located?"
Zero Cool nodded, her smile growing wider. "I'm already on it, Young Master. Give me a few more hours, and I'll have their location pinpointed."
Zero Cool's fingers flew across the keyboard, her eyes scanning the lines of code with a fierce intensity. Tyler watched her, his mind racing with the implications of the hack.
Finally, Zero Cool looked up, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. "I've got him, Young Master," she said. "The hacker's name is Alex, and he's located in downtown Orange County."
Tyler's eyes narrowed. "Who does he work for?" he demanded.
Zero Cool's smile grew wider. "That's the best part, Young Master. Alex works for Solomon Wanton, head of the Wanton family."
Tyler's face darkened with anger. "I knew it," he muttered. "Those Wantons are always trying to one-up us."
Rachel spoke up, her voice cautious. "We should be careful, Young Master. If Solomon Wanton is behind this, he won't hesitate to use every trick in the book to get what he wants."
Tyler nodded, his jaw clenched. "I know, Rachel. But I'm not going to let him get away with this. Zero Cool, can you get me a meeting with Alex?"
Zero Cool raised an eyebrow. "You want to meet with the hacker, Young Master?"
Tyler nodded. "Yes, I do. I want to know why he did this, and what Solomon Wanton's endgame is. Arrange a meeting in downtown Orange County, where Alex is located."
Zero Cool shrugged. "I can arrange a meeting, Young Master. But be careful. We don't know what we're up against."
Tyler turned to Jenkins, who was standing by the door. "Jenkins, get the bodyguards ready. I want them to be lurking around the location, out of sight. When I'm ready, I'll give the signal, and they'll take Alex for questioning."
Jenkins nodded. "Already on it, Young Master. I'll brief them personally."
Tyler turned back to Zero Cool. "Arrange the meeting for tonight, at the old warehouse on 5th and Main in downtown Orange County."
Zero Cool nodded, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "Consider it done, Young Master."
Rachel spoke up, her voice cautious. "Young Master, are you sure this is a good idea? We don't know what Alex is capable of."
Tyler smiled grimly. "That's why I have Jenkins and the bodyguards. I'll be fine, Rachel. Let's just focus on getting the information we need."
Jenkins stepped forward. "I'll make sure everything is in place, Young Master. We'll be ready for anything."
Tyler nodded, his eyes locked on the task ahead. "Let's do this."
At three in the afternoon, Tyler pulled out his phone and dialed Maddie's number. She answered on the first ring, her voice cheerful as always.
"Hey, love! How's your day going?"
Tyler hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt for what he was about to tell her. "Maddie, I'm so sorry, but I won't be able to pick you up from work today. I have something urgent to take care of downtown."
Maddie's tone was understanding. "It's alright, Tyler. I can take a cab home. What's going on?"
Tyler hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "Just some personal stuff, Maddie. I'll tell you all about it later, okay?"
Maddie sighed. "Okay, fine. But be careful, okay?"
Tyler smiled, feeling a surge of love for her. "I will, Maddie. I promise."
He hung up the phone and turned to Jenkins, who was waiting patiently by the door. "Let's go," Tyler said, his eyes locked on the task ahead.
They arrived at the old warehouse on 5th and Main in downtown Orange County, the sun casting long shadows across the deserted street. The warehouse loomed before them, its walls a dull gray, the windows boarded up. It looked abandoned, but Tyler knew better.
Jenkins nodded, his eyes scanning the perimeter of the building. "I've got the bodyguards in place, Young Master. They're hiding in the alleys and side streets around the warehouse. Alex won't be able to escape once he's inside."
Tyler nodded, his eyes locked on the warehouse. "Good. Let's get into position."
They slipped inside the warehouse, the air thick with dust and the smell of decay. Tyler's eyes adjusted slowly to the dim light, and he saw that they were in some sort of storage room. Crates and boxes were stacked haphazardly around them, casting deep shadows.
Jenkins nodded, his voice low. "The bodyguards are in place, Young Master. We're ready for Alex."
Tyler nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that this was it – the moment of truth. He was finally going to confront the hacker who had been causing him so much trouble.
They waited in silence, the only sound the creaking of the old warehouse and the distant hum of traffic. Tyler's eyes were locked on the door, his mind racing with possibilities.
And then, suddenly, they heard it – the sound of footsteps, echoing off the walls of the warehouse. Alex had arrived.
Alex arrived at the warehouse, looking around nervously. Tyler and Jenkins were already there, sitting on chairs, looking relaxed.
"Hey Alex, thanks for coming," Tyler said, smiling. "We just wanted to have a little chat."
Alex nodded, taking a seat across from them. "What's this about?"
Jenkins leaned forward, his eyes friendly. "We just wanted to talk about your hacking skills. We've heard great things about you."
Alex smiled, looking more at ease. "Thanks, I guess. What do you want to know?"
Tyler leaned back in his chair. "Oh, just general stuff. What kind of projects you've worked on, that sort of thing."
Alex launched into a detailed explanation of his hacking experience, unaware of the trap being set for him. Tyler and Jenkins listened intently, nodding along.
As Alex talked, the bodyguards moved into position, surrounding him. Alex didn't notice, too caught up in his own words.
Finally, Tyler leaned forward, his eyes glinting. "Thanks for the chat, Alex. But now, it's time for the real talk."
Alex looked up, confusion on his face. "What do you mean?"
Jenkins smiled, his eyes cold. "We know all about your little scheme with Solomon Wanton. It's time to come clean."
Alex's eyes widened as the bodyguards closed in, trapping him. He tried to stand up, but it was too late. The bodyguards grabbed him, tying him to the chair.
Tyler leaned forward, his eyes locked on Alex's face. "Tell us about Solomon Wanton's involvement. Tell us about the hacking scheme."
And so the interrogation began...
Alex struggled against the restraints, but they were too tight. "I don't know what you're talking about," he spat, trying to sound defiant.
Tyler sighed, nodding to the bodyguards. "Show him what we do to people who don't cooperate."
The bodyguards moved forward, their faces expressionless. One of them pulled out a pair of pliers, while the other grabbed Alex's arm, twisting it behind his back.
Alex screamed as the bodyguards applied pressure, his eyes bulging in pain. "Stop! Please stop!"
Tyler leaned forward, his eyes locked on Alex's face. "Tell us about Solomon Wanton's involvement. Tell us about the hacking scheme."
Alex shook his head, but the bodyguards continued to apply pressure. They used the pliers to twist his fingers, and Alex screamed again.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Alex broke. "Okay, okay! I'll tell you!" he sobbed.
The bodyguards stepped back, their faces still expressionless. Tyler leaned forward, his eyes locked on Alex's face.
"Tell us about Solomon Wanton's involvement," Tyler repeated.
Alex trembled, his eyes filled with tears. "He hired me to hack into your system...he wanted me to steal sensitive information...financial records, business deals..."
Tyler's eyes narrowed. "And what about the money?"
Alex hesitated, but the bodyguards moved forward, their faces menacing. "He's supposed to pay me the balance tonight...at his hotel room...at the Oakwood Hotel..."
Tyler nodded, his face cold. "We'll take care of it."
As Alex continued to sob, Tyler turned to Jenkins. "It seems we have a lead. Let's get to the Oakwood Hotel and see what we can find."
Jenkins nodded, standing up. "I'll get the car ready."
Tyler turned back to Alex. "And as for you...you're coming with us."
The bodyguards untied Alex from the chair, dragging him to his feet. Alex stumbled, still sobbing, as the bodyguards pulled him out of the warehouse.
Tyler and Jenkins followed, their faces set with determination. They were one step closer to taking down Solomon Wanton, and they wouldn't rest until they had achieved their goal.
Soon they arrived at the hotel where Solomon wantons was lodged.
"Excuse me," Tyler said, approaching the receptionist desk with a polite smile, using the fake name "Ethan". "We're looking for Solomon Wanton. Is he a guest here?"
The receptionist checked her computer, her fingers typing away. "Yes, he is. But I'm afraid I can't give out his room number without his permission."
Jenkins stepped forward, using the fake name "Liam", his eyes friendly. "We understand, of course. Could you please ring his room and let him know we're here to see him? We'd appreciate it."
The receptionist hesitated, then picked up the phone. "What's your name, please?"
"Ethan and Liam," Tyler replied, maintaining the fake names.
The receptionist nodded and dialed the room number. After a brief pause, she spoke into the phone. "Mr. Wanton, there are two gentlemen here to see you... Ethan and Liam."
She listened for a moment, then turned back to them. "I'm afraid Mr. Wanton is not willing to see you. And I still can't give out his room number."
Tyler and Jenkins exchanged a brief glance, then Jenkins spoke up, dropping the fake name. "Actually, my name is Jenkins the butler of the Wales family and this is Master Tyler, the scion to the Wales family. We have business with Mr. Wanton, and I suggest you give us his room number now
or face the consequences."
The receptionist's eyes widened, and she quickly typed on her computer. She knew how powerful the Wales family was in the country and for this man to use their identity means they really ment buisness"Room 314," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Thank you" Jenkins said and respectfully lead Tyler towards the direction of the elevator.
Tyler and Jenkins stepped into the elevator, flanked by their bodyguards, who dragged the unconscious Alex in a body bag. The doors closed, and they ascended to the third floor. Jenkins nodded to the bodyguards, who moved to take care of the security cameras in the hallway.
Once the cameras were disabled, Tyler gave a curt nod, and one of the bodyguards knocked on the door to room 314. The door opened, and a well-dressed man in his mid-30s, introducing himself as Reginald, Solomon Wanton's personal assistant, looked at them with a mixture of curiosity and annoyance.
"Can I help you gentlemen?" Reginald asked, eyeing the bodyguards and the body bag.
"Yes," Tyler said, using his fake name again. "We're Ethan and Liam. We need to see Mr. Wanton. It's urgent."
Reginald's expression turned skeptical. "I'm afraid that's not possible. Mr. Wanton is not seeing anyone at the moment."
As Reginald began to close the door, one of the bodyguards swiftly kicked it wide open, sending Reginald flying into the room with a loud thud. Tyler and Jenkins stepped inside, their eyes scanning the room.
"Sorry about that," Jenkins said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "We don't have time for formalities."
Reginald struggled to his feet, his face red with anger and fear. "You can't just barge in here! I'll call security!"
Tyler smiled coldly. "I think you'll find that our... associates have taken care of the security cameras. We're here to see Mr. Wanton. Now kindly lead us to him or it would be worse than this"
Solomon Wanton emerged from the bedroom, a look of confusion and annoyance on his face. "What's going on here?" he demanded, taking in the scene before him.
His eyes landed on Tyler and Jenkins, and he turned to Reginald. "Who are these men?"
Before Reginald could answer, Jenkins stepped forward and grabbed Reginald's arm, twisting it behind his back. "No need for introductions," Jenkins said, his voice cold. "We're here for you, Mr. Wanton."
Solomon's eyes narrowed. "I'm Solomon Wanton. What do you want?"
Jenkins released Reginald's arm and took a step closer to Solomon. "So, you're the one," he said, his hand flashing out to deliver a vicious slap to Solomon's face.
Solomon's head snapped back, his eyes widening in shock and anger. "How dare you!" he spluttered, his hand rising to touch his reddening cheek.
Tyler stepped forward, his eyes glinting with a fierce intensity. "You're going to tell us everything we want to know, Mr. Wanton. And then... well, let's just say your life is about to become very interesting."
Solomon Wanton's face reddened with anger. "I don't know who you are, and I won't talk to you. Leave now, or I'll call security!"
Tyler's eyes narrowed. "Were you the one who sent Alex to hack into Ace Co-operation's system?"
Solomon's expression faltered, and he took a step back, his eyes darting between Tyler and Jenkins. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."
Jenkins stepped forward, his voice menacing. "Don't play dumb, Mr. Wanton. We know all about it. Tell us the truth."
Solomon's shoulders slumped, and he spoke in a defeated tone. "Fine. Yes, I sent Alex to hack into Ace Co-operation's system.And so what?I wanted to... even the score."
"Even the score?" Tyler repeated.
Solomon's eyes flashed with anger. "Yes! That new CEO, he cancelled all deals with me, snubbed me for the Jackson Group for the six-star hotel partnership. Me, the richest man in Orange County! I hate him for it."
Tyler and Jenkins burst out laughing. Solomon's face turned red with rage. "What's so funny?"
Jenkins wiped tears from his eyes. "I'm Jenkins, the butler of the Wales family. And you, Mr. Wanton, are in deep trouble."
Solomon's eyes widened in shock. "What? No, that's not possible! You're lying!"
Jenkins smiled. "I assure you, Mr. Wanton, I am not lying. And you know the Wales family is one of the giants in the US. You're in grave danger now"
Jenkins' smile grew wider. "And do you remember, Mr. Wanton, that the mysterious CEO's name ends with Wales?"
Solomon's eyes widened, and he nodded slowly. "Y-yes... I remember now."
He looked at Tyler, and a glimmer of realization dawned on his face. He hoped against hope that what he was thinking wasn't true.
Jenkins dropped the bombshell, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "And that, Mr. Wanton, is because Tyler here is the young master of the Wales family."
Solomon's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He stumbled backward, his face ashen. "N-no... that can't be!"
Tyler's expression remained calm, but a hint of a smile played on his lips.
Solomon's mind reeled as he tried to process the information. He had unwittingly crossed the most powerful family in the US, and now he was at their mercy.
Solomon Wanton's eyes darted back and forth, his mind racing. "No, no, no... this can't be! Tyler is the worthless live-in son-in-law of the Jackson family, not the young master of the Wales family!"
Jenkins' expression turned icy. "Are you calling me a liar, Mr. Wanton?"
Solomon's voice trembled. "I-I'm just saying that it's not possible. Tyler's reputation is well-known. He's a joke, a mere puppet of the Jackson family."
Jenkins took a step closer to Solomon, his eyes glinting with anger. "You would do well to remember your place, Mr. Wanton. You are not in a position to question the truth. Tyler is indeed the young master of the Wales family, and you will show him the respect due to his position."
Tyler's calm demeanor never wavered, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "Let's just say, Mr. Wanton, that my reputation is... misleading."
The air was thick with tension as Solomon struggled to comprehend the truth. He had severely underestimated Tyler and Jenkins, and now he was facing the consequences.
Solomon Wanton's face contorted in a desperate plea. "Mercy, please! I'll do anything! Just don't hurt me!"
Tyler's expression remained unyielding. "I'm afraid it's too late for mercy, Mr. Wanton. You've made your bed, and now you must lie in it."
Just as Tyler was about to continue, his phone rang. He answered, and Zero Cool's voice spoke on the other end.
"Tyler, sir. I've managed to dig up some intel on Solomon Wanton that I think you'll find valuable. May I come up to your location? I've tracked your phone to the Oakwood Hotel, and I believe you're currently in Solomon Wanton's suite."
Tyler's eyes narrowed. "How did you—never mind. I'll send a bodyguard to escort you up. Wait in the lobby."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."
Tyler hung up the phone and turned to Jenkins. "Zero's on her way up. She claims to have information about Solomon."
Jenkins raised an eyebrow. "About time she earned her keep."
Tyler smiled wryly. "Let's see what she's got. Send Marcus down to escort her up."
Jenkins nodded and spoke into his comms device. "Marcus, we need you in the lobby. Zero Cool is on her way up. Escort her to our location."
As they waited for Zero's arrival, Solomon continued to beg for mercy, but Tyler's mind was focused on what Zero might reveal. What secrets had she uncovered about Solomon Wanton?
Zero Cool arrived, escorted by Marcus, and nodded to Tyler and Jenkins. "Gentlemen. I've uncovered some interesting information about Solomon Wanton."
Tyler raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
Zero began, "Solomon Wanton is not the rightful head of the Wanton family. His elder brother, Marshal Wanton, was supposed to inherit the position."
Jenkins' eyes narrowed. "What happened?"
Zero's expression turned grim. "Solomon secretly killed his father and bribed the family lawyer to support his claim to the headship. Later, he killed the lawyer to cover his tracks."
Solomon's face turned white, his eyes wide with fear. "No, that's not true! I didn't—"
Tyler's hand shot up, silencing him. "Continue, Zero."
Zero nodded. "Marshal Wanton has been in hiding, afraid for his life. But I've not been able to contact him, and I belive when we do so he's willing to cooperate with us."
Tyler's eyes locked onto Solomon, his expression cold. "It seems your time is up, Mr. Wanton. You've been playing a dangerous game, and now you'll face the consequences."
Solomon's pleas for mercy resumed, but Tyler's mind was made up. The game had changed, and Solomon Wanton was no longer the player he thought he was.
Zero's expression turned even grimmer. "But that's not all. Solomon's cruelty knew no bounds. He killed his brother's wife, Elizabeth, when she refused his advances and threatened to expose his affair."
Solomon's face contorted in rage, but Tyler's gaze kept him pinned.
Zero continued, "And if it wasn't for a secret ally, Solomon would have also killed Marshal and his son, Gerald. But the ally warned them, and they escaped to Las Vegas, where they've been living in hiding."
Jenkins' eyes widened in shock. "This guy's a monster."
Tyler's voice was cold. "Finish it, Zero."
Zero nodded. "The ally, who wishes to remain anonymous, has been feeding me information about Solomon's crimes. They want him brought down, and they're willing to testify against him."
Solomon's eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape, but Tyler's bodyguards stood firm.
Tyler's gaze locked onto Solomon. "You're finished, Wanton. Your reign of terror ends now."
Solomon's face twisted in a snarl, but he knew he was beaten. The secrets he thought were buried had finally been unearthed, and he would face justice.
Tyler asked Zero, "Give Jenkins the number of Marshal Wanton. We need to get him and his son back to Orange County immediately."
Zero nodded and handed Jenkins a piece of paper with the number.
Tyler continued, "Jenkins, prepare flight tickets for Marshal and Gerald. Use the Wales family influence to convince Marshal that he's safe and that we need to meet with him tomorrow. Make arrangements for them to see me tomorrow."
Jenkins nodded and began typing away on his phone.
Tyler then picked up the phone and dialed the receptionist at the lobby. "Hello, this is Tyler Wales in suite 314. I need you to send your manager up to my suite immediately. We have a situation that requires attention."
The receptionist's voice was hesitant. "Y-yes, sir. Right away, sir."
A few minutes later the door to the suite opened, and the hotel manager, a flustered-looking man, entered. "Can I help you, gentlemen?"
Tyler stood up, his presence commanding attention. "I am Tyler Wales, the young master of the Wales family. And you are...?"
The manager's eyes widened in recognition. "I-I'm Mr kelvin Miles, sir."
Tyler's gaze never wavered. "Manager Miles, I need your assistance. This man, Solomon Wanton, is a criminal and a threat to my family's interests. I want him held in this room until the authorities arrive."
Manager Miles nodded, eyes darting to Solomon. "Y-yes, sir. Of course, sir."
Tyler's instruction was clear. "On no account is he to be allowed out of this room. Do you understand?"
Manager Thompson nodded vigorously. "Y-yes, sir. I understand. He won't leave this room until the authorities arrive."
Tyler instructed Manager Miles, "Call the police and have them come pick up Solomon Wanton. He's a criminal and needs to be taken into custody."
Manager Thompson nodded and quickly dialed the police.
When the police arrived, Tyler turned to Zero cool. "Give them all the evidence we have against Solomon Wanton, including the recording of him asking Alex to hack into Ace Cooperation's system to sabotage the business deal with the Jackson Group."
Zero nodded and handed over the evidence.
Tyler then turned to Marcus. "Hand over Alex, Solomon's accomplice, to the police."
Marcus nodded and brought forward the body bag containing Alex, who was still unconscious.
The police officers took custody of Alex and Solomon, reading them their rights as they led them away in handcuffs.
As they left, Tyler turned to Jenkins. "Let's get Marshal and Gerald back to Orange County safely. We'll deal with the aftermath of this situation tomorrow."
Jenkins nodded, already on his phone making arrangements.
Tyler's gaze never left the door, his mind still focused on the situation. "This is far from over."he said and checked his watch and saw that it was already 9 pm. "Gentlemen, it's getting late. I should head home."
Jenkins nodded. "I'll give you a ride, sir. It's not safe to be out alone at this hour."
Tyler agreed, and Jenkins led him out of the hotel to a convoy of Rolls-Royces parked outside. Jenkins respectfully opened the door to the master seat and joined Tyler from the other side.
As they settled in, Jenkins instructed the driver, "Take us to Mr. Wales' residence, please."
Tyler gave the driver directions, and the convoy began to move.
As they drove through the night, Tyler's mind was still racing with thoughts of the evening's events. He knew that this was only the beginning of a long and complicated process.
Jenkins broke the silence. "Sir, shall I arrange for security to be present at your residence tonight?"
Tyler nodded. "Yes, Jenkins. I'd appreciate that."
Jenkins made a quick call, and Tyler knew that his safety was ensured.
The convoy arrived at Tyler's residence, and Jenkins opened the door for him. "I'll see you tomorrow, sir."
Tyler nodded and stepped out into the night, his eyes scanning the surroundings before entering his home.
As Tyler entered his residence, he was greeted by his worried wife, Maddie, who was pacing back and forth in the living room. Her eyes widened with relief as she saw him, and she quickly rushed into his arms.
"Tyler, where have you been? I've been trying to call you for hours, but your phone wasn't going through!" Maddie exclaimed, hugging him tightly.
Tyler apologized, "I'm sorry, dear. My phone ran out of battery. I didn't mean to worry you."
Maddie pulled back, still looking concerned. "You should have charged it or let me know you'd be late. I was getting frantic."
Tyler smiled reassuringly. "I know, I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
Maddie nodded, then smiled. "Come, I've kept dinner warm for you. Noodles and eggs, your favorite."
Tyler's stomach growled in anticipation as Maddie led him to the dining table. They sat down together, and Maddie served him a steaming hot plate of noodles and eggs.
As they ate, they talked about their day, and Tyler carefully avoided mentioning the events with Solomon Wanton. He didn't want to worry Maddie.
After dinner, they headed to bed, exhausted from the day's events. Tyler wrapped his arms around Maddie, feeling grateful for her love and support.
"Goodnight, my love," Maddie whispered.
"Goodnight, dear," Tyler replied, drifting off to sleep.