Chapter 2

Even though I was exhausted when I got home, I still baked Harry's birthday cake from scratch and specially made him some pumpkin soup.

Just a few days ago, he had been clinging to my neck, sweetly begging for my homemade pumpkin soup for his birthday.

With the cake and soup ready, I racked my brain about what else Harry might want to eat. Before I knew it, I'd cooked up a full spread.

Looking at the lavish spread before me, I couldn't help but laugh at myself.

"How silly I am. Who's even going to eat this?" I muttered.

I put all the dishes back in the kitchen, but a part of me was still worried that Jesse and Harry might come home hungry. At least my cooking was better than takeout.

After finishing everything, I sat in the living room like a withered plant, waiting for the two who had no wish to return.

At that moment, my friend Ian Ludwig called me. "Winona, wanna watch the SKP Hacking Competition with me?"

The SKP Hacking Competition?

Hearing it out of the blue, it all felt so distant now.

I'd almost forgotten—I used to have my own passions too.

I headed out to meet Ian at our agreed spot.

The SKP Hacking Competition was in full swing at Highpeak Arena.

The event drew elite hackers from around the world.

Ian led me to our reserved seats and pointed at the only female contestant in the arena, who wore a mask.

"That's Killkore," he said. "She's a renowned hacker who's made quite a name for herself overseas these past few years. Word is she's planning to return home. I've had my eye on her for ages."

Ian's eyes gleamed with admiration—it was clear he genuinely respected Killkore.

But with just one glance, I knew exactly who she was behind that mask.

"That's Priscilla Kelly," I said.

"Wait, what?" Ian finally realized it. "Damn, Priscilla is Killkore? How could I be so blind?"

I couldn't stomach saying something so hypocritical as, "Don't be biased against her because of me."

Honestly, I felt uneasy whenever people close to me interacted with Priscilla.

I didn't know why, but anyone who got involved with her just ended up completely on her side.

Just like how my father chose Priscilla's mother—even when my mom threatened suicide, he still abandoned her and chose to be with that woman.

My own brother, my husband, even my son... they all chose Priscilla over me.

Priscilla was like the charming lead in a novel, and she was talented at so many things. No wonder everyone was captivated by her.

At that exact moment, Priscilla executed a flawless hack. The entire arena erupted in thunderous cheers, shouting her codename Killkore.

The jumbotron zoomed in on Jesse and Harry.

Their faces lit up with excitement as Harry jumped for joy, cheering, "Go, Priscilla! You can do it."

Four years I've raised him, yet never earned that look of worship he gave her.

"I need to use the restroom," I said.

Ian's expression darkened as he also noticed the jumbotron.

"I'm going to head out. I'll wait for you outside," he said.

I gave a slight nod.

Just as I stepped out of the restroom, I bumped into another acquaintance, Caleb Swanson.

"Following your man all the way here?" Caleb asked. "Think you can actually understand any of this?"

He washed his hands while eyeing me through the mirror with a mocking smirk.

Caleb was one of Priscilla's most devoted admirers, and he came from the prestigious Swanson family, with formidable family backing.

Back then, for Jesse's sake, I wouldn't dare offend people like Caleb—whatever they said, I just let it slide.

But now, I didn't have to endure it any longer.

"Whether I understand it or not isn't your concern, Mr. Swanson," I said coldly.

I turned on the faucet and washed my hands, refusing to spare him another glance.

Caleb was momentarily taken aback.

As I was leaving, I accidentally bumped into someone.

"Sorry," I said.

After apologizing, I looked up, only to be met by an icy, penetrating gaze.

I'd seen that face before—in Jesse's circle.

It was Elliot Swanson, heir to the Swanson family.

The Swanson family had three branches: the eldest served in the military, the second in government, and the youngest in business.

Among them, the eldest branch held the most power.

Elliot, who rarely made public appearances, suddenly showed up here today—undoubtedly brought by Caleb specifically to help Priscilla establish military connections.

Elliot gave me a nod.

I returned the gesture and left.

Just as expected, Priscilla appeared from the other end.

Caleb's face immediately lit up with a smile. "Is the competition over?"

"Yeah." Priscilla nodded, then followed Caleb's gaze and spotted a familiar figure.

"Is that Winona?" she asked.

"Yeah, probably here chasing after Jesse," Caleb replied.

Priscilla simply smiled, unfazed.

"Not bothered?" Caleb asked curiously.

"Bothered by what?" Priscilla said.

Caleb thought for a moment and understood why Priscilla didn't see Winona as a threat.

Though Winona was a rare natural beauty, she always seemed to fade beside Priscilla's bold, confident presence.

Caleb had seen countless women like Winona—those who lived off their men. What did it matter how devoted or sincere they were? For someone of his status, beautiful, lovesick women were always readily available and easily replaceable.

In Caleb's eyes, women like Winona could never hold a candle to Priscilla.

Just then, Elliot approached, and Caleb introduced him to Priscilla.

Though Elliot had observed the entire competition, he merely exchanged greetings with Priscilla and made no immediate move to recruit her.

Still, Caleb leaned close to Elliot and said, "Honestly, aside from Lynx, I can't think of any hacker more talented than her."

Elliot gave a faint smile before striding into the restroom.

Caleb shrugged. "Elliot just wants to recruit Lynx for the military. Don't take it personally."

Priscilla nodded, her smile as warm as a spring breeze. "It's fine."

As compensation, Caleb offered Priscilla a position. "Now that you're back, are you interested in joining Triverge Tech?"

Priscilla replied, "I'd only consider Leaprise."

Caleb knew Priscilla was particularly interested in the algorithm Lynx had left behind, so he was more than happy to help make it happen.

"Leaprise has quite a fan base for you," he said. "Ian even asked about you before. If you join, they'll be over the moon."

Priscilla smiled, her composure unshaken by either praise or slight.