Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 19

The air in the tech department was so tense you could practically feel it pressing down on your shoulders. On the big central screen, the Dome’s performance graph was dropping fast, a red line nosediving straight down and making everyone’s stomach clench with dread.

A cluster of engineers were huddled around the main console, hammering away at their keyboards, but nothing they did seemed to help.

“Ms. White, this isn’t working! The core database is about to lock up completely!” one of the lead engineers called out, his voice barely hiding his panic.

Evelina’s brow was tight with worry. “I’ve tried every fix I know, but there’s some deep encryption. Every time I try to roll things back, it just triggers even stronger countermeasures.”

Her words sent a ripple of unease through the team. The techs glanced at each other, all realizing just how bad things had gotten.

Right then, Emmy walked in with a junior staffer following behind her.

Dean came in right after, eyes immediately searching for Evelina.

As soon as Evelina spotted Emmy, she rushed over, relief all over her face. “Emmy, thank goodness you’re here! I tried everything I could, but some of the core modules are quirky. Did you set up some special security on them? I can’t get past it, no matter what I try.”

The engineers, who’d been desperate a moment ago, now looked at Emmy with disapproval.

Dean’s mood darkened. He moved to stand beside Evelina, but his irritation was clearly aimed at Emmy. “This system is critical. Why would you set up security protocols like that without telling anyone? Just undo it and fix this, now!”

Emmy’s mouth curled into a faint, almost lazy smile. She folded her arms and didn’t look the least bit rushed.

“I’ve already been fired by Starlight Corporation. I’m not part of the tech department anymore. Whatever goes on here isn’t really my problem.”

She paused, turning to Evelina. “Besides, Ms. White, aren’t you an MIT star? Shouldn’t a little problem like this be a walk in the park for you?”

“Emmy!” Dean’s frown deepened, his brows drawing tight. “This isn’t the time for your attitude!”

Later, after both the department director and deputy director left, Emmy got promoted to director and she picked Rory as her deputy.

Even six months ago, after she stepped down, she made sure Rory took over as director.

Emmy turned to Rory, and the icy edge in her eyes softened a little.

“Rory, you know the Dome is my creation. It’s like my own child.”

“I didn’t want my child getting hurt out there, so I bundled it up, wrapped it in extra security. Is that so wrong?”

“Now the system’s in trouble, and she can’t peel away those layers, so she turn around and blame me. Isn’t that just ridiculous?”