Chapter 623

Chapter 623

Zoey picked up the still-mumbling Travis and gave the group a resigned smile. "The kids played the beta version in the studio."

Paxton, the technical director, wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Ms. Spencer, it seems we have a lot to learn from you."

The announcement that the press conference was about to start saved the executives from further awkwardness.

Henry took Zoey's hand and chuckled softly. "Looks like our kids understand our work better than we thought."

Zoey glanced thoughtfully at Gabriel's profile, a hint of doubt crossing her mind. Was Gabriel's unusual behavior today really just an interest in technology, or had he noticed something the adults had missed?

Just then, Gabriel looked up, his bright eyes meeting Zoey's. "Mom, can I check the server again after the press conference?"

Gabriel's voice was soft but carried a seriousness that couldn't be ignored. "I think something's not right."

Zoey's heart tightened, and she was about to ask more when Henry gently pulled her aside. The press conference was about to officially begin.

The Windsor Game Company's launch event was in full swing, with crystal chandeliers lighting up the exhibition hall like daylight.

Media reporters had their cameras set up, flashbulbs occasionally going off, capturing every detail of the venue.

Zoey stood at the side of the stage, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of her speech notes, her eyes scanning the bustling crowd below.

"Mom." Gabriel tugged at Zoey's sleeve, his voice low. "That thing that's not right..."

Zoey was about to bend down to ask when Paxton hurriedly emerged from backstage, sweat glistening on his forehead under the lights.

He looked around and, spotting Henry, quickly walked over and whispered something in his ear.

Henry's expression froze instantly, his brows knitting into a tight knot.

"What's wrong?" Zoey, holding Gabriel and Travis, walked over, sensing something was off.

Henry took a deep breath. "The main computer has been hacked. It might be the work of 'Black Wind.'"

"Black Wind?" Zoey repeated the name, a strange light flashing in her eyes. "The second-ranked international hacker?"

Henry looked at Zoey with slight surprise and nodded. "Paxton said multiple systems are down. The tech team is working on it, but..." He glanced at his watch. There were only eighteen minutes left until the press conference started.

Travis looked up, confused by the adults' serious expressions. "Dad, does this mean we can't play the game?"

Henry forced a smile and ruffled Travis's hair. "They'll fix it, don't worry."

Zoey suddenly crouched down, looking Gabriel in the eye. "Sweetie, do you remember the coding lessons I taught you?"

Gabriel nodded, his bright eyes shining with an unusual light. "I remember. I even wrote my own firewall program."

"Good boy." Zoey kissed his forehead and stood up, turning to Henry. "Take us to the server room."

Paxton's eyes widened in disbelief. "Ms. Spencer, this is not the time for a tour! The system could crash at any moment. We need professionals..."

"Lead the way," Zoey interrupted, her voice calm but commanding.

Henry, though puzzled, trusted Zoey enough to make a quick decision. "Do as Ms. Spencer says."

Paxton hesitated, then reluctantly led them through the crowded backstage area.

After navigating a narrow corridor, they arrived at a heavy security door.

The red light on the door flashed continuously, warning of the system's abnormal status inside.

Inside, five or six programmers were huddled around the main computer, looking frantic.

Red warning boxes kept popping up on the screen, lines of code scrolling like a waterfall.

"What's the situation?" Paxton asked urgently.

A young programmer with black-rimmed glasses looked up, his face pale. "This has 'Black Wind's' signature. He planted a logic bomb in the system. It will trigger in twenty minutes."

He wiped his sweat. "We've tried everything, but nothing works. Unless we can find the top-ranked 'Ghost,' we're out of options..."

"Ghost?" Henry frowned.

"The number one hacker on the international list, a mysterious figure. No one knows who he is."

The programmer gave a bitter smile. "It's said he once breached a foreign firewall in ten minutes and fixed all the vulnerabilities in thirty seconds."

Paxton clutched his head in despair. "It's over. The press conference is going to fail. We've invested three years into this game, and the marketing team has already..."

"Step aside." A young voice suddenly broke the silence.

Everyone turned, stunned, to see four-year-old Gabriel standing at the main computer, his small hands on the keyboard.

"Gabriel, don't touch that!" Paxton exclaimed, reaching out to stop him.

Zoey blocked Paxton. "Let Gabriel try."

"Ms. Spencer!" Paxton finally lost his temper. "Every second counts! I know you care about your child, but this is not the time for games!"

Henry's face darkened instantly. "Paxton."

Just one word, but it made the room's temperature drop. "Watch your tone."

Paxton shivered but couldn't stay silent due to his professional anxiety. "Mr. Windsor, this game represents three years of hard work! If we lose it because..."

"Why are you panicking?" Zoey interrupted calmly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Aren't we trying to find a solution?"

Paxton was speechless, his eyes darting between Zoey and the child at the keyboard, his expression one of utter disbelief.

At that moment, Gabriel's small hands began to move across the keyboard.

His fingers flew with astonishing speed, almost a blur.

On the screen, lines of code appeared and disappeared at a dizzying pace.

"This can't be happening." The programmer with black-rimmed glasses stared in shock. "He's rewriting the core firewall using 'Ghost's' signature algorithm."

The room fell silent, the only sound the rapid tapping of the keyboard.

Gabriel's forehead was dotted with sweat, but his eyes were intensely focused, far beyond what a four-year-old should be capable of.

Zoey gently placed a hand on Gabriel's small shoulder, her eyes filled with a mix of pride, worry, and a hint of sadness.

Meanwhile, ten floors up in a nearby skyscraper, Gregory sipped his wine leisurely, his eyes on the large monitor in front of him.

The screen was divided into several windows, each showing live footage of the chaos at the Windsor Game Company's press conference.

"Are you done?" Gregory asked without turning around.

In the corner of the room, a gaunt young man hunched over a gaming chair, his fingers flying over a mechanical keyboard.

He wore a black mask, revealing only a pair of bloodshot eyes. He was the second-ranked international hacker, "Black Wind."