Chapter 1472: Master’s order

Penny’s face twitched as she glanced at the smug look plastered on Patricia’s face. Even though the latter hadn’t said a word, Penny could practically hear her thoughts.

[See? I stuck around and came in handy! Aren’t I good?]

"Ahem!" Some of the men cleared their throats and straightened their backs. Surprisingly, Patricia’s words had struck a chord and snapped them out of the illusion that fear had briefly trapped them in.

After all, not everyone was lucky enough to be offered services from Prime Group. Even before they relocated to Anteca, the company already had a solid reputation at their previous base of operations. To this day, many of their original clients still had the privilege of receiving first offers whenever Prime Group launched a new product.

That was why some prominent figures from abroad were in attendance tonight.

In other words, many people here had waited months just to get a response from Prime Group. And besides, what Atlas had said was true—Prime Group had taken away many of their worries. Being able to sleep well at night no longer felt like a luxury.

As the men gathered their thoughts, embarrassed by how easily their emotions had swayed them, Penny stepped forward.

"I apologize for my assistant’s words, and for my brother’s," she said, offering them a polite smile. "They were simply trying to stand up for me, just as a good older brother would, and just as a loyal secretary should."

The first row of men let out awkward chuckles, waving off her apology.

"Miss Bennet, do not apologize. We’re sure they meant no harm."

"That’s right. They were simply doing their jobs," another chimed in, standing straighter. With Penny choosing the humble route, it made it easy for them to move past the earlier confrontation without losing face.

Surely, they had lost their composure for a moment. How could they berate Penny, when this young woman had already proven herself—and was now even giving them an out?

They must’ve chosen Prime Group initially due to their services, but they trusted them because of Penny.

"Miss Bennet, I hope you understand—we’re all just worried about our security," said another man. "Even though I have nothing to hide, this threat still puts me and my family in a dangerous situation."

"We don’t intend to doubt you. In fact, I’ve never doubted you," someone else added. "But from what I’ve heard, this Vigilante has already caused a lot of trouble. His threats feel very real."

"It’s a matter of security. And we all value our security."

Everyone nodded in agreement. When they turned their eyes back to Penny, all they saw was a calm, short smile on her face.

"And I understand," she replied. "After all, I value security just as much as you do. That’s why Prime Group is what it is."

Hearing this, they nodded with approval. Earlier, they had mistaken her composure for a lack of urgency. But now, they realized—it wasn’t indifference she was showing, but quiet confidence. And that confidence was far more reassuring than panic.

"So?" Atlas turned to his sister again. "Will you be able to handle this?"

A tense silence followed. All eyes fell on Penny. Slowly, the corners of her eyes lifted as her lips formed a smirk.

"There’s nothing that ever came our way that we didn’t handle."

With that, Penny turned and jogged up to the stage. Every gaze followed her. She didn’t bother taking the mic from the host. The room had already fallen into a pin-drop silence.

"First of all, I apologize for this inconvenience," she began, bowing her head sincerely. "As the representative of Prime Group, we’re deeply saddened that this happened—especially on such an important day for so many of you."

She cast her gaze toward the players and gave them a nod.

"However, since we’re already here, we ask for your patience. Prime Group is currently investigating how this person managed to infiltrate our system." She gestured toward the screen behind her, though her eyes remained forward. "Our initial diagnosis has uncovered several issues. But for now, that information is not ready to be disclosed. Rest assured—the people behind this will pay a heavy price for trying to ruin this event."

She stepped forward, preparing to continue—when that familiar, mocking laughter echoed again.

[HAHAHA! Miss Penelope Bennet, that is quite the speech!]

Penny slowly turned, smirking. "I see. So you’ve been listening all along."

[Do you really think you can stop me? Me? X? Or are you just blind to the difference in our skills?]

"I think I am, X," she replied. "After all, I’ve never seen a true master brag as much as you do."

[HAHAHA! Penelope Bennet, once I gather all your data, you’ll be the first I share with the world.]

"Well, good or bad, publicity is still publicity," Penny chuckled. "Mister X, don’t disappoint me. You’re the first person to breach Fortress like this. I expect great things from you."

[HAHAHA!]

As the laughter echoed, the lights began to flicker again. Penny exhaled shallowly and turned away from the screen, locking eyes with the players.

"You..." she pointed at Team A, then at Team B, "...and you. Sit back down at your stations. In a minute, this guy will launch his first wave of cyber attacks. Defend against them."

"What?" both teams looked at her in shock. "Miss Bennet, what do you mean?"

"How can we defend anything when our computers—" But before the second could finish, their screens restarted and returned to their original format, their previous work intact.

"This person—X—wants to play a game," Penny said. "We’ll play it. Consider this a bonus round. The team that performs best will earn extra points."

Again, the laughter echoed, but this time Penny ignored it. She marched over to the teams, resting her hand firmly on the table.

"Don’t worry. I’ll be with you. There’s nothing to be afraid of."

---

Meanwhile, in the hotel’s maintenance area...

Mark and a few maintenance workers inspected the electrical room. As they checked the breaker connected to the event hall, they noticed something stuck to it.

"What’s that?" Mark asked, eyeing the small device that was blinking as one of the electricians pried it loose.

"Well..." The electrician examined it, then looked at his colleagues. After a brief exchange, they all turned their eyes to Mark.

"We’re not sure what this is, but we’re certain it’s what’s causing the flickering lights in the event hall."

Mark’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. "Check every electrical line in this building. Just to be safe."

"Yes, sir."

With that, the electricians began inspecting the breakers and panels for any other suspicious devices. Mark, however, remained in place, staring down at the strange device now in his hand.

"Miss Penny..." he muttered, gripping the device tightly. ’Whoever is behind this wants Prime Group to fall.’

He then pulled out his phone, scrolling to the last contact—one without a name, just a smiley face emoji.

"It’s me," he said once the line connected. "I’m sending you a photo. Look into it. Also... send us backup, just in case. It’s the Master’s order."