The divorced military queen awakens novel

Quinn turned toward the doorway . Jacqueline's proud silhouette filled the threshold , arrogance radiating from every step . On the conference screen , the director and several executives brightened the instant they saw her . " Ms. Jacqueline worked on the system's core modules . If she joins us , we might still repel the hackers . " " Exactly - she's a computer prodigy , decorated with awards at home and abroad ! " " Mr. Fane , let Ms. Jacqueline lead the defense ! " Everett pressed his lips together , then gestured to the laptop on his desk . " Fine .

This machine ' has full access to the cybersecurity system . You and Quinn will- " Jacqueline lifted a hand , stopping him . " Uncle , I refuse to work alongside Quinn . She'll only blunder around and slow me down , and we cannot afford delays tonight ." " I won't slow you down , " Quinn answered , her tone firm but even . Jacqueline scoffed . " Your word isn't enough . This concerns the entire corporation .

" One of the collateral uncles sneered , " Quinn , don't think you can deal with a cyber assault just by pressing a few keys ." Another relative chimed in , " Everett , indulge your niece if you wish , but don't gamble the company's future for it . " Everett ignored the chorus of doubts and fixed his gaze on Quinn . " How confident are you ? " " About fifty - fifty , " Quinn replied . Jacqueline let out a short laugh . " How convenient ! If you fail , you can claim you only had fifty percent certainty . Quite the strategy .

" Turning back to Everett , she declared , " I want the Information Security Department to follow my commands , and ... " Her eyes flicked over Quinn with open disdain . " Quinn must stay out of it . I won't allow dead weight on my field ." Rowan's temper snapped . He lunged forward , shoulders tight and jaw clenched , as though one more breath would send him barreling into the fray . 1/3 Quinn shot out a hand and snatched his sleeve , anchoring Rowan where he stood . Eyes still burning , she pivoted toward Jacqueline . " All right .

If you're really capable of repelling those intrusions , then I won't lift a finger . " Between the two women , Jacqueline understood the corporation's labyrinthine cybersecurity system far better than Quinn ever could . So in a crisis this large , Quinn had no interest in wasting precious minutes wrestling over control . The casualties would fall squarely on the Fane family and the company . Jacqueline arched an eyebrow and let out a little scoff , the sound sharp enough to cut glass . Confidence radiated off her like perfume .

She had disgraced herself at the gala , but this was her chance to polish the nameplate again . If she succeeded , tomorrow's headlines would trumpet her triumph above Quinn's . So what if she's the direct heiress ? They still need me , someone from a collateral branch . And with that , I can finally seize real authority over the Information Security Department . Jacqueline slid into the chair before the primary console , the glow of twin monitors turning her features a cool , electric blue .

She opened the video - conference window and began barking orders to the scattered analysts of the Information Security Department . At first , victory came easily . Her face wore a smug half - smile as she deflected each probing spike , convinced the breach would be patched before the coffee on her desk cooled . Encouraged , the onlookers murmured praise , their voices swelling like applause after every successful block . But praise soon gave way to silence .

The color drained from Jacqueline's cheeks , and on the conference screen , the distant analysts slipped from jubilant shouts to stunned quiet . Someone finally broke the hush . " What happened ? Is the assault over - is the firewall holding ? " Jacqueline could not make herself answer . Beads of sweat gathered on her brow , slid into her lashes , then dropped onto the keyboard like rain . Her hands felt heavier by the second , fingers sluggish , almost too numb to keep dancing across the keys . How is this possible ? The hackers toyed with her the way a cat bats a dying mouse .

They let her parry the opening salvos , drawing her into the illusion of progress . Then , at the very instant victory seemed within reach , a fresh barrage tore through her defenses , yanking her stomach down to her shoes and teaching her the raw taste of failure . 2/3 I can't hold them . Not a chance . Each wave crashed harder than the last , and her so - called countermeasures looked like paper shields in a hurricane . For the first time , true helplessness pooled in her chest . No - it isn't that I lack ability . These hackers are simply too strong , and I was tossed in unprepared .

Give me a window to prepare , and I would counter them , I know I would . " I can't keep this up , " Jacqueline said , forcing calm into her voice . " The adversary prepared meticulously , and we're dealing with top - tier talent . Swap me for another expert and they'll crumble just as fast . Uncle Everett , their target is the company itself . They must want something . Perhaps we should- " A startled executive's voice burst through the speakers . " We blocked it - we've stopped the attack ! " Jacqueline blinked hard , disbelief striking like cold water . " What ?

" Sara Lili Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland's breathtaking cold.