The next morning, Joseph returned to Villa Grade A. The cool morning air carried the scent of dew and fresh wind across the villa’s grounds. Joseph walked calmly toward the front door, holding back a triumphant smile hidden beneath his composed face. Inside, Katty was waiting for him with a look of pure love. Her small belly was beginning to show signs of pregnancy, and Joseph felt a deep happiness upon seeing her. He approached Katty, gently touched her cheek, and then bent down to kiss her belly. “How’s the future mommy?” Joseph whispered softly. Katty smiled, her eyes radiating happiness. “Better now that you’re home,” she said. “Honey… is your problem solved?” Joseph nodded slowly, his smile spreading clearly across his face. “It’s all done; everything went according to plan,” he replied calmly. He leaned down again, kissing her tenderly, as if to reassure Katty, who might still harbor some lingering worries. Katty looked at him for a moment, concern in her eyes. “An
Miranda rose from her chair, her voice barely a whisper, “Just wait and see what I’ll do to sabotage Joseph’s project.” *** The first few days working at the villa felt like a torment for Jenny. Her new role as a housemaid trapped her in what felt like endless punishment. Every morning, she woke up early to clean the villa, prepare meals, and take care of various household tasks. However, nothing was more unnerving than the cold gaze Joseph often cast her way in the living or dining room. One morning, as Jenny was tidying up the living room, Joseph appeared, standing silently in the doorway, his sharp eyes fixed on her. He said nothing, only observing her every move with a look full of suspicion. Jenny’s heart began to race. “I want every corner of this villa kept spotless,” Joseph said coldly, his tone almost devoid of emotion. “And make sure you don’t touch anything that doesn’t belong to you.” Jenny nodded, struggling to suppress the anger and shame boiling inside her.
Professor Samuel spoke first, his voice calm yet full of enthusiasm. "My field of expertise is climate control on a micro-scale and humidity regulation. With years of field experiments and research, I’ve developed technology that allows weather control in enclosed spaces. This method could be very useful for your large-scale project." Joseph looked at him, visibly impressed. "And what is the success rate of your method so far?" Samuel nodded, looking confident. "So far, in Switt, we’ve managed to regulate humidity in indoor agricultural areas, with over 90% success without harming the ecosystem. This could be a starting point for developing a system for your project, Mr. Joseph." Joseph nodded, his eyes gleaming with hope. Then he turned to Professor Rowan. "And you, Professor Rowan?" Professor Rowan gave a wide smile, showing white teeth that contrasted against his dark skin. "My field is alternative energy research and environmental technology. At Denko, we focus on energy-e
The next morning, the core team gathered in front of the lab building, gleaming with the latest technology facilities. Joseph stood before them, his gaze meeting each person’s with a look of confidence and a hint of pressure. It was a big day—the day the climate control device project would finally begin. After confirming that the entire team was ready, Joseph walked into the lab, followed closely by Gawali, Professor Samuel, Professor Rowan, and the other tech experts. The lab was filled with the quiet hum of advanced machines functioning as part of the climate control system, while a large screen on one wall displayed environmental data from various test sites. Eager to begin, Professor Samuel started up the micro-control system he had designed, while Professor Rowan monitored the energy flow from the solar panels and eco-friendly generators spread around the lab building. “Incredible,” Rowan murmured in admiration, watching the data stream across the screen. “This system
"Give me the report for the first day," Miranda said curtly, her eyes sharp as she stared at the person on the screen. The person nodded slowly. "The project is progressing on schedule. The lab building is operational, and they’ve activated some main systems for climate control. Joseph is being very cautious about security, even somewhat paranoid, but he hasn't suspected anything yet." Miranda gave a cynical smile, leaning back in her chair. "Keep up your surveillance. I want to know every step they take, especially if there are any advancements in the technology they're using. Your mission is simple: sabotage this project." The person on the screen nodded expressionlessly, as if well-accustomed to these assignments. "I've already set up a few bypasses in the main system to access data undetected. However, their team has started adding extra security layers to data transfers, so I'll need to be more careful." Miranda observed intently. "Are they aware of any infiltrator?"
After more than ten instances of persistent sabotage, Joseph’s research team began to feel frustrated. Each time they solved one problem, another inexplicable technical issue would arise almost immediately. The situation created a tense atmosphere in the lab, and trust among team members started to waver. One morning, Joseph gathered the entire team in the conference room. Standing at the front, he looked at each of them in turn. His face showed tension, exhaustion, and a hint of restrained anger. “We’ve carried out this project with the utmost precision and security protocols. Yet, these attacks keep happening. Technical malfunctions, system errors, and… yes, even key parameters suddenly changing!” Joseph said, his voice sharp but controlled. Professor Samuel and Dr. Sarah exchanged glances. Gawali stood in the corner of the room, arms crossed with a tense expression. Laila, who was responsible for data transmission, looked uneasy, while Alex sat with a neutral expressi
Joseph made a difficult decision. He announced that the research project would be put on hold for a few days. “We all need time to clear our minds and reflect,” he said with a firm voice. “I hope each of you will use this time to think about what’s happened and take care of yourselves. Return to your lodgings.” The team members looked shocked by his decision, but none dared to protest. One by one, they left the lab with mixed emotions, from confusion to suspicion. During the break, Joseph decided to conduct a private investigation. He contacted an old friend, Detective Mia, a specialist in cybercrime investigations. Joseph hoped Mia could help him find clearer evidence about who was responsible for the sabotage. A few days later, Mia arrived at the lab when it was quiet. She began examining the security systems and data that hadn’t been accessed by the team. Mia discovered strange traces in the server—small patterns that seemed like harmless errors but, to her trained eye,
They stepped cautiously into the old building, their flashlights cutting through the darkness, illuminating the dust-filled corridors and mold-covered walls. Each of their footsteps echoed, heightening the tension. Ahead, Mia held a tracking device connected to the alarm system detecting ‘The Void’s’ signal. The alarm grew louder, signaling that they were getting closer to the sabotage device. “The signal’s getting stronger,” Mia whispered, her eyes glued to the tracking screen. “The closer we get, the stronger it becomes. We’re almost there.” Joseph, just behind her, tightened his grip on the flashlight and nodded. They moved carefully, navigating the narrow, winding corridor. The red light on Mia’s tracker continued to flash, guiding them to the signal’s source. Finally, they reached the end of the hall where the corridor split. Mia stopped and focused the tracker’s screen toward the right corridor. The alarm pulsed, faster and louder. “The signal’s source is right ahead