Chapter 23 An Inside Job
Naturally, those individuals in the room would surely know.
She also didn’t want any discord to arise between Matthew and Ryleigh over this matter.
While Noelle’s emotional intelligence may not have been as high as her IQ, she could still sense Matthew’s sincere intentions
toward her.
Initially, she truly believed that Matthew’s extensive care toward her was because of Queena’s influence.
However, from their time spent together these past days, she could sense that Matthew had never hidden his affection for her.
Noelle lowered her gaze. She couldn’t quite articulate her feelings for Matthew, but it was true that she didn’t mind his closeness.
For that reason alone, she was willing to help his friend. That would also make Ryleigh owe her a favor.
Their status was intertwined with their relationship and interests. It all depended on which aspect weighed more.
Noelle tugged at Matthew, leaning in close to his ear, and whispered softly, “He’s your friend.”.
Matthew shuddered, a prickling restlessness spreading from his ears to every limb.
A wave of tension spontaneously arose within Matthew. What could Elle possibly mean by that?
However, it was clearly not the time to discuss that. Matthew tightly gripped Noelle’s hand, steadying his turbulent emotions.
“Ryleigh, do you believe in me?”
“Huh?”
That was essentially a pointless question. They met overseas in their youth, sharing a bond as deep as life itself. Among everyone, Matthew was the one Ryleigh trusted the most.
“Elle can help you.”
A look of joy spread across Dominic’s face.
Joseph and Zeke exchanged glances. This is no laughing matter. However, Matthew is not the type to take things lightly, and he wouldn’t joke about such matters. Since he has spoken, it seems that Ms. Yersley might actually have the required ability.
Moreover, it was clear from Dominic’s expression that he knew something. Joseph and Zeke shared a knowing look, a silent agreement hanging in the air. We’ll deal with him later.
Ryleigh didn’t waste any time with small talk or unnecessary questions. He directly had a computer brought up from below and briefly explained the situation to Noelle.
Noelle took the computer, with a few people gathering around to look at the screen filled with an overwhelming amount of code. After a few minutes of staring until their eyes blurred, they gave up and sat down on the side.
Without making a sound to disturb Noelle, they waited quietly.
On the surface, everyone remained composed, but inside, they were a mess, unsure if Noelle could succeed.
After approximately twenty minutes, Noelle ceased her actions. She turned the computer toward Ryleigh, pointing at a small. red dot on the magnified map.
“The coordinates across.”
The group’s eyes widened instantly. Although Matthew had mentioned that Noelle could lend a hand, hearing the actual result still left them utterly astounded.
After all, Ryleigh’s team was no short of experts. They had been struggling for several days without any solution, but Noelle had just resolved it in such a short time.
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Chapter 23 An Inside Job
+8 Pearls
Ryleigh also, out of trust for Matthew, went along with Noelle’s antics, only to be presented with such a delightful surprise.
Standing up, Ryleigh carefully examined the map, squinting his eyes. He knew who it was.
“Ms. Yersley, thank you.”
He thanked her without any mention of a return gift.
However, those present could sense the weight of the situation.
Ryleigh’s acceptance of Noelle was then completely different from before. It represented an acknowledgment of her as an individual, not just as an accessory to Matthew.
With an air of indifference, Noelle casually waved her hand. “The firewall had vulnerabilities. It was an inside job.”
Ryleigh understood the implications, and his gaze was dark and foreboding. Someone had tampered with the system, and he had a traitor amongst his ranks.
Ryleigh didn’t hesitate, and he left with his men. His priority was to find someone first and then deal with the traitor upon his
return.
Dominic relaxedly sprawled on the couch, watching Noelle assist Ryleigh in strengthening the firewall.
“Ryleigh could be considered as someone who has found fortune in misfortune.”
The shock he felt when he found out that Noelle had used backdoor connections earlier was different because that was a convenience brought about by her status.
This time, it was a testament to sheer strength. She was a person with true capability who could hold their own anywhere.
Their perception had already begun to shift. They no longer viewed her as an accessory to Matthew but as Noelle.
In truth, Noelle had her own ulterior motives. The dark forces of Jamore couldn’t stir up trouble under Ryleigh’s watch, which significantly reduced her workload.
Both personally and professionally, she didn’t want anything bad to happen to Ryleigh.
Noelle had essentially started to become part of the small elite circle within Jamore’s hierarchy.
Those people were all fiercely loyal. Even if Noelle didn’t have any background or status, it was enough for her to walk with her head held high in Jamore.
After Ryleigh had left with someone, they didn’t wait any longer. They knew Ryleigh had internal matters to deal with, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for them to remain.
Upon returning to Matthew Manor, Noelle retreated to her room, leaving Matthew unusually conflicted.
He wanted to ask Noelle what she truly meant, but he feared receiving a negative response.
Leaning against the couch while idly fiddling with his phone, he listened to Dominic speak with a somewhat distracted mind.
“Matthew, are you even listening to me? Could you at least make a sound?” Dominic complained.
Right then, Matthew’s phone rang.
It was a call from Noelle.
“Do you want to talk?” she asked.
Matthew disregarded Dominic, who was still chattering away, and without hesitation, he stood up and ascended the stairs. Noelle had made a decision for his dilemma.
