Chapter 15
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The clock struck 3 PM, and the three–hour online showdown ended Websites worldwide were filled with Celandia’s bright flags, but there was no chaos, no trash talk.
The first hacked site showed a serene image of blooming roses, and the silence was deafening. It was a far cry from the qual mess, leaving the audience stunned. They couldn’t believe it–Celandia’s hackers had pulled off something truly remarkable.
This time, Celandia had stepped up in a big way. It was a total reversal from when foreign hackers used to mock them as “Celandia’s Weakling
The Brynton official website remained quiet, likely because there was no drama to report. The next day, they even changed their homepage banner to match the theme of blooming roses.
Stanley’s forum post went viral overnight, turning him from a laughingstock into an overnight sensation. The same overi who once attacked him were now gone–some even deleted their old comments and thanked him for being forgiving and giving them a second chance.
He replied to everyone: It’s not about me being forgiving. It’s my girl. She’s the real hero here.]
The forum members were stunned. Comments poured in. [Dude, are you talking about your actual sister, or is this just poetic, like calling your girlfriend my girl?] someone asked.
Stanley sent an eye–roll emoji and replied: [Poetic? She’s my biological sister.]
That only fueled their curiosity. Knowing roughly how old Stanley was, the idea of him having a younger sister just didn’t compute.
They couldn’t resist asking: [So, how old is your sister, buddy?]
Stanley glanced at the messages and shrugged as he typed back. [She’s just ten years old. Crazy, right?]
The message dropped like a bomb, plunging the alliance forum into chaos. Hackers who thought they were the best were stunned to learn they’d been led through a massive cyber–battle by a ten–year–old girl. It felt like something straight out of a
sci–fi movie.
But after everything they’d been through, no one dared to question or mock Stanley again. Instead, they started reaching out to him privately, asking if they could get their hands on the anti–tracking program.
That night, Stanley went to Quinlyn’s room after a quick shower. Inside, she was curled up in bed, wrapped in a pink lace blanket and engrossed in a fairy tale book. For a second, Stanley hesitated, wondering if the whole day had been a crazy dream
Quinlyn glanced up, her eyes meeting his Stanley shook off the doubt. He cleared his throat and said. “Hey, um. I was just wondering if you plan to sell that program?”
Quinlyn had only just scratched the surface of the Internet, so the idea of selling code was as foreign as outer space to her. She glanced up from her book and asked, “Sell it? Is it even worth anything?”
Stanley laughed and pointed to the plastic bag on her bedside table, which held $30,000. “It’s worth more than you’d believe. It could easily sell for ten times what’s in that bag,” he said with a grin.
Quinlyn’s face lit up. “Alright, I’m in. Let’s sell it,” she replied.
Stanley nodded and flashed the OK gesture. “Great. They’ll transfer the money to my account first. Tomorrow, I’ll help you set up your own.” With that, he left the room
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Quinlyn glance at the plastic bag and imagined having ten of them, her smile growing She felt like she’d just won the lattery–happier than sheid ever felt reading a storybook
The next morning. Quinlyn woke up early, full of energy. She quickly got ready, ate breakfast, and sat on the couch. glancing at the door every few seconds as she waited for Stanley
Maurice was grabbing his keys, ready to bolt for work, and Tina was dipping on her yoga shoes when they both noticed Quinlyn up and about so early,
Maurice paused, looking a linle concerned. Quinlyn, what’s going on? Why are your up so early?”
Quinlyn was standing there, sipping her milk, and just said quietly, “Waiting for Stanley
Maurice’s brow furrowed for a second, then he smiled and said, “What are you going to do with your brother?”
Quinlyn wasn’t used to the term “brother. She turned to look at Maurice, her eyes piercing Without saying a word, she made him feel a little uneasy.
Maurice laughed awkwardly and looked away. “Never mind. It’s okay if you don’t want to tell me
Just then, Stanley shuffled down the stairs, looking like he’d slept in his clothes. Maurice called out, “Hey, Stanley. Quinlyn’s been waiting for you. You guys heading out?”
“Yeah.” Stanley grumbled, eyes half–closed. He’d been up all night–Quinlyn’s program went viral, and hackers who usually ignored him were suddenly all over him. He hadn’t slept until dawn. Yawning, he said, “Just opening a bank account. Gotta save up for Quinlyn”
Tina was staring out the window, lost in thought, when she suddenly turned and blurted out, “Save up for her? She doesn’t have a part of our family fortune, does she?” Her voice sounded confused.
Stanley let out a quiet groan, feeling his frustration rise. He just rolled his eyes and headed to the dining area for breakfast.
Tina followed right behind him, her tone earnest. “Stanley, keep your money to yourself, okay? Don’t just hand it out. If you’re gonna give it to someone, give it to Harriet. She’s your actual sister.”
Stanley whirled around, his patience wearing thin. “Mom, seriously?” he snapped. “Even if you’re gonna play favorites, there’s a line. Quinlyn is your kid. Why are you acting like she’s some outsider?”
“I…” Tina’s face fell, and she was left speechless. She couldn’t bring herself to admit that Quinlyn wasn’t her biological daughter. She glanced nervously at Maurice, hoping he’d step in and help ease the tension
“Stanley, your mom just thinks you guys might be spending a bit too freely,” Maurice said, giving Stanley’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Quinlyn’s still young. Couldn’t she just keep her money in a piggy bank or something?”
Stanley, who usually responded better to kindness than pressure, softened his tone. “A piggy bank won’t cut it,” he said with shrug. “Quinlyn’s been making a fortune selling program online. It’s smarter to have an account for it.”
“What?” Maurice and Tina exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and bewilderment. A kid from the borderlands making a fortune from program sounded like something out of a movie to them.
But Stanley wasn’t one to fib, especially not to them. The couple looked at each other again and decided to hold their tongues.
Maurice clapped Stanley on the back, grinning like a proud dad. “You’re really stepping up, kid,” he said. “While you’re handling that, take care of Quinlyn’s birth certificate. It’s time she took our last name?
Since Quinlyn came back, Maurice hadn’t said anything about the birth certificate, and Stanley had assumed his dad had
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Chapter 15
forgonen Hearing Mastice mentors it now made Stanley feel a mix of relief and excitement. “On it. Dr!” he said, nodding.
In the living room Quinly find her milk and tilted her head, watching the family with a curious expression. Her enchanting eyes sparkled in the sunlight,
Aber berakfast, Stanley threw on a casual sports outfit and grabbed his keys “Ters go, he said to Quinlyn, heading for the
door
As they reached the family car. Quinlyn tugged at his sleeve. “Not this one” she said, looking up at him. “Wait a sec
Stanley didn’t know what was going on, but be followed her out the door In the distance, a familiar SUV cruised down the road
As the car pulled up Joseph leaned out, flashing his usual smile and waving at Quinlyn, “Hey, I’m glad you wanted to hang out,” he said. “How’ve you been the past few days“”
Quinlyn nodded and tried to climb into the car, but the seat was too high. She struggled, looking a little annoyed
Stanley, with a frown, walked over, opened the door, and gave her a hand
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