Thalia went in and scanned her surroundings. In the end, her gaze landed on one of the corners. Needless to say, Thalia was slightly stunned when she saw Nelly .
Thalia quickly racked her brain, but she couldn't come up with an answer.
Meanwhile, Nelly looked back at her, lifted her hand, and waved at Thalia with a smile. Seeing that, Thalia pondered for a moment before approaching Nelly .
While looking at Nelly , Thalia asked, “Why are you here?” “I was waiting for you,” Nelly replied flatly.
Thalia took a deep breath and gazed at Nelly . “Did Tony ask you to come—” Thalia paused because she saw a phone on the table. Right away, her gaze darkened, and she was visibly shaken.
She then looked at Nelly and shifted her gaze back toward the phone again. After a while, she walked up to Nelly and asked, “How did that phone come into your possession?”
“What do you think?” Nelly responded with another question.
Thalia stared at Nelly and said, “This phone needs to be customized through a special channel. It is only customized for certain people, so not everyone can have it. Moreover, Tony doesn't know about this channel...”
Nelly kept mum and let Thalia analyze her way through.
“Could it be Alpha Kilian ? However, he didn't get his phone through this specific channel. Besides, you don't need such a powerful phone...” As Thalia was talking, she raised her gaze toward Nelly . All of a sudden, an unbelievable idea came to her mind.
“Are you Shadow Seeker?” Thalia asked.
Nelly 's expression was calm, but she was wearing a faint smile. Although she didn't utter a single word, it seemed as though her silence had spoken for her.
“How could this be?” The corners of Thalia's mouth twitched. This is absurd! “How could it not?” Nelly asked.
Nelly 's question had confirmed Thalia's speculation. “Are you really...” Thalia was in disbelief.
Nelly then suddenly reached out her hand and said, “Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Shadow Seeker. Nice to meet you, Thalia.”
Thalia was rendered speechless. In fact, her mind was buzzing when she heard those words. Why does this feel surprising and normal at the same time? Could it be because I've known her for such a long time? Is that why I'm not weirded out?
While staring at Nelly 's hand, Thalia slowly reached out her hand as well for a handshake. In response, Nelly smiled at her.
Right then, Thalia regained her senses and asked, “Wait... Isn't Shadow Seeker a man?” “Who said so?”
“Everyone said so! Besides, according to your profile, you're a man!” “I wrote that on a whim,” Nelly replied.
“That's why I couldn't find you no matter where I looked! I've wasted three years of my life!” Thalia exclaimed.
“I'm sorry, but I didn't mean to fool you. I did it to protect myself.” Nelly smiled. Thalia was in the same industry, so she definitely could relate.
After giving a nod, Thalia looked at Nelly and said, “I understand. So, are you really not going to consider joining Darknetz? Sam said as long as you're willing to join Darknetz, you can name whatever conditions you want!”
“Why are you still thinking about recruiting for Darknetz now?” Nelly asked. They were sitting opposite each other as though they had been friends with each other for years.
Thalia lowered her gaze and smiled. “Darknetz has been kind to me. In my eyes, it's like a home. I think it's only right for me to be concerned about my family.”
Nelly heard what Thalia said and nodded. “However, I still hold on to the words I said. I'm not joining any organization now, and I'll never will!”
Thalia took a deep breath upon hearing that. “All right. I figured you would say so. I didn't believe you then, but I do now. I've already given up hope.”
Nelly chuckled and explained, “I'm sorry, but I've already promised Grandpa not to get involved in that industry. Prior to this, I did it because I was looking for my father. After that, I stopped getting myself involved in such activities.”
“I understand. Still, it's such a shame. It's a great loss for the hackers' community.” Thalia nodded.
“You have a never-ending supply of geniuses in this industry. Soon, you'll have new talents emerging.” Nelly smiled.
“Be that as it may, no one can ever reach Shadow Seeker's height.” Nelly merely smiled in response.
“It's all right, though. Even with you out of the picture, there's still Tony ...” Thalia paused the moment she mentioned Tony . She couldn't help but feel dejected when she recalled Tony 's retreating figure that day.
Obviously, Nelly knew what was on Thalia's mind. “Tony was disappointed and angry after he left that day.”
“Was he?” Thalia asked with an awkward look in her eyes.
“I knew you had good intentions, and I think he'll come around,” Nelly answered.
Upon hearing that, Thalia lowered her gaze and mumbled, “I didn't do it for his own good, so I don't need him to come around...”
Nelly didn't dwell on the conflict between Thalia and Tony . Instead, Nelly looked at Thalia and
said, “Thalia, trust me. You're going to be fine. You surely will.” “Yes. I hope so.” Thalia flashed a smile.
“Well, follow me back!” Nelly urged.
Thalia froze for a second when she heard that. “No. Since I've already left, I don't plan to go back.” “Thalia...”
“I've already made up my mind.” Thalia's eyes reflected her firm resolve.
“Thalia, I don't know what happened between you and Spencer, but you shouldn't put yourself in danger!”
Thalia's eyes darted from side to side before she curled her lips into a smile. “Don't worry. I'm not putting my life in danger. I've always been one to appreciate my life. It's just that I have other plans in mind.”
Other plans? Nelly noticed the keywords in Thalia's sentence. Upon seeing the smile on Thalia's face, Nelly couldn't help but frown.
After a while, Nelly 's gaze turned stern when she asked, “Are you planning to look for Boss on your own?”
Thalia's eyelashes quivered slightly, and she looked at Nelly in bafflement. I didn't even say anything. How did Nelly know what was on my mind?
“No. Why would I do that?” Thalia denied.
“Thalia, your eyes are telling me you're lying.” Thalia went quiet.
“You can't go!” Nelly advised.
“Why not?” Thalia looked at Nelly .
Although Thalia knew she could be exposed by asking that, she didn't bother.
Although Thalia was faltering after listening to what Nelly had to say, she wasn't one to be fooled easily. While looking at Nelly , Thalia said, “If I go, obviously, I'm not going to let him find out about
my identity. In other words, even if I were to get caught, I won't be dragging Darknetz down with me. I'll deal with it myself.”
Nelly furrowed her brows. “Thalia...”
“I've already made up my mind,” Thalia uttered firmly.
Seeing how Thalia was behaving, Nelly knew she had to deal with Thalia the hard way. “Do you still remember what I said yesterday before our meetup?” Nelly asked.
Thalia narrowed her eyes to slits. Only then did she remember what Nelly had requested the day before.
At the same time, realization dawned on Thalia. “Nelly , did you really reveal your identity because of that?”
“I know you always keep your word.”
Thalia glanced at her, not knowing how to respond at that moment. I know how important a person's identity is to a hacker. That's especially the case for top hackers like us because we're always being watched. However, she's putting herself on the spot!
“You were too impulsive, Nelly . Aren't you afraid that I might sell the information now that I know you're Shadow Seeker?” Thalia asked.
“You won't do that.” “How would you know?”
“Because I've known you for three years.”
“Yet, I've always regarded you as a man,” Thalia replied. “You can continue perceiving me as a man.”
“What I'm trying to say is that I've never considered you a friend. My plan was to destroy you if I couldn't get my hands on you!” Thalia enunciated.
“How about now?” Nelly asked.
Thalia stared blankly at Nelly , unable to conjure a response at that moment. Even if I were to disregard the relationship I have with Tony , Nelly is still my savior! I can't do such a thing!
Thalia was overwhelmed by mixed emotions as she stared at Nelly . I don't like owing someone favors, especially if that person is nice to me. I don't know how to repay them!
With that in mind, Thalia said, “Still, you've acted rashly. I'm willing to forget about everything that happened today. You may leave. I'll pretend as if none of this happened, and I'll keep my mouth shut!”
“Thalia, regardless of whether I'm speaking as your friend who you hadn't met in three years or as the person sitting in front of you now, I think I know you well enough. You may seem carefree on the outside, but you're actually a cautious person. Therefore, I deeply believe that you're a worthy friend that I'm willing to sacrifice for. It doesn't matter what I've done. What matters the most is that you're worthy!” Nelly uttered.
As soon as those words fell, Thalia lifted her bewildered gaze toward Nelly . I never thought a woman would say those words to me. The worst thing is that I find it hard to resist her! She's so appealing, and I can't help thinking about throwing myself at her... Yet, my rationality is telling me not to do so.
Holding that thought, Thalia retracted her gaze and said, “I know what you're going to say to me. Yes. I promised to leave with you, but I never said when. Hence, I'm still keeping my word.”
Nelly knitted her brows in response.
Thalia gazed at Nelly and added, “Shadow Seeker, you've already saved my life once. This time around, I'm determined to go ahead with my plan, regardless of whether I'm doing it for you or for myself. If I'm lucky enough to retrieve the antidote, I'll fulfill the promise I made. If I can't get my hands on the antidote...” Thalia paused before continuing, “Well, I have no regrets.”
Nelly couldn't help but knit her brows even tighter while looking at Thalia. Meanwhile, Miguel's car arrived outside, and he parked not far behind Alpha Kilian 's car.
Four of them were in the car, and when they saw Alpha Kilian 's car in front of them, one of them said, “We're here!”
After that, they kept looking outside the car. “Where have they gone to?” Donna asked. “It's such a huge area. They could be anywhere!” Ben exclaimed.
The four of them continued looking out the window to scan the surroundings.
Right then, Tony said, “Ben , let's split up and look for them. Report back to each other if there's any news!”
“What about me?” Donna asked.
Tony glanced at her and answered, “You should stay in the car with Miguel. If you guys see Daddy and Nelly coming back, let us know immediately.”
Donna knew they merely wanted to keep her safe, so she had no choice but to nod and reply, “All right.”
“Master, I should follow you,” Miguel said to Tony .
“That's not necessary. Stay in the car and protect Donna . We'll be back in no time,” Tony answered. Miguel threw a glance at Donna before nodding. “Be careful, Master.”
Tony nodded.
With that, the two boys got out of the car.
Tony stood next to the car and said to Ben , “You check the back, and I'll check the front. Let's meet up here after a few minutes.”
“Okay,” Ben responded.
Right as Ben was about to leave, he heard Tony saying, “Hey, Ben .” Ben turned around to ask, “What?”
“Boss' men could be nearby. We might've already exposed ourselves that day, so you should be careful,” Tony urged.
Ben smiled when he heard that. “I know. Don't worry.” Tony nodded.
In the next second, Ben pulled the hood of his hoodie over his head to hide his face. “I'll go now. You should watch your back as well,” Ben said coolly.
Tony nodded at his brother.
With that, Ben turned around and walked toward the back. Tony then looked at the car in front of him and walked ahead.
At that moment, Alpha Kilian was staring at the coffee shop from inside his car. He would also scan the surroundings from time to time warily.
Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared before his eyes.
Alpha Kilian was stunned when he saw Tony striding ahead. What is he doing here?
Seeing that Nelly and Thalia were still conversing in the coffee shop, Alpha Kilian quickly got out of his car and approached Tony .
“Tony !” Alpha Kilian shouted as he was walking.
Tony was searching along the way when he suddenly heard someone shouting behind him. He froze for a moment before gradually turning his head around. There, he saw Alpha Kilian standing nearby.
“Hey, Daddy...” Tony gazed at Alpha Kilian .
Alpha Kilian narrowed his eyes and asked, “What are you doing here?”
Tony looked around before shifting his gaze back toward Alpha Kilian . “I... I came here for a stroll! It's such a coincidence to see you here, Daddy!”
“Bullsh*t! Do you take me for a fool?” Alpha Kilian sneered.
“Daddy, we're in a foreign place. Please be more civilized to avoid getting laughed at.” “Did you follow us here?” Alpha Kilian stared at Tony .
Knowing that he was already busted, Tony knew there was no point in lying anymore. “I was worried about Nelly , so I came along...”
Right then, they heard a loud sound coming from the direction of the coffee shop.