Chapter 101 - Who Is The Hacker?

Stefan walked into the dimly lit club, the bass from the music vibrating through the floor. As he scanned the room, he spotted his friend, Philip, nursing a whiskey. With relief, Stefan made his way over, eager to find solace in his friend's company.

"Stefan!" Philip stood up with a broad grin as he clapped Stefan. "Let's go to a private place," he brought Stefan to a private room where a waitress was waiting to serve them.

"It's been too long, my friend. How've you been?" Philip asked.

Stefan sank into the seat opposite Philip, signaling the waitress for a drink. "I've been better," he admitted, rubbing his temples. "A lot is going on."

Philip studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, I can see that. What's on your mind?"

Stefan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the past few weeks settle heavily on his shoulders. "It's Amber. We're... in a rough spot right now."

Philip raised an eyebrow. "Rough spot? Care to elaborate?"

The waitress brought Stefan's drink, and he took a long sip before answering. "We're staying at my Grandpa Logan's place. He's not doing well, and he asked us to try and work things out. But there's so much tension, Philip. I don't know if it's going to work."

Philip leaned back, his expression serious. "Well, you've told me about the divorce, and I think it was a crazy idea. Stefan, I've always thought Amber was great for you. She's smart and kind, and she cares about you. Why are you letting this slip away?"

Stefan looked down at his glass, swirling the amber liquid. "It's not that simple. There are... trust issues."

Philip nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "This is about Cassandra, isn't it?"

Stefan's jaw tightened at the mention of his ex. "Yeah. It's hard to forget what she did. I trusted her, and she left me for someone wealthier. It messed me up, Philip." It was during the time Stefan was still building his 

empire and didn't have the same money and influence as he has now.

Philip leaned forward, his tone gentle but firm. "I get it, Stefan. Betrayal like that can leave deep scars. But Amber isn't Cassandra. Are you going to let the past ruin your future?"

Stefan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know. It's hard to open up again, to trust that deeply."

Philip put a hand on Stefan's shoulder. "Look, man, you've built an empire. You've faced challenges head-on and come out stronger. This is another challenge."

"Let me ask you. Have you learned to love Amber after months of living under the same roof?"

Stefan froze as he avoided his gaze. Philip understood his friend wouldn't be vocal about his feelings for Amber because of his past trauma. Despite that, he knew Stefan would eventually open up and learn to love again.

"Don't let the ghosts of your past dictate your future, Stefan," Philip reminded his good friend.

Stefan's gaze softened, and he nodded slowly. "You're right, Philip. I do care about Amber. A lot. But it's complicated."

Philip smiled, patting his friend's back. "Of course, it's complicated. Always is. But it's worth it. Don't let fear hold you back. Talk to her. Be honest about your feelings."

Stefan took another sip of his drink, feeling a sliver of hope piercing through his doubts. "Thanks, Philip. I needed this."

Philip is also a busy man, just like Stefan. He manages his real estate and construction companies, and visiting one of his clubs helps him relax. Despite his hectic schedule, Stefan was grateful for his friend's time with him.

Philip raised his glass in a toast. "To fight for what matters."

Stefan clinked his glass against Philip's, a determined glint in his eyes. "To fight for what matters."

As the night wore on, the thought of Cassandra still lingered, but he knew he couldn't let her betrayal define his future. Amber deserved better, and so did he.

A buzzing phone took him out of his reverie. Stefan glanced at his phone, a frown creasing his forehead as he saw Norman's name flashing on the screen. "Sorry, Philip, I need to take this. I'll see you soon," he said, excusing himself from the conversation. He was expecting to meet Norman for an investigation update.

Philip nodded understandingly. "Go ahead, Stefan. We'll catch up soon," he said, sensing the urgency of the matter.

Stepping outside, Stefan answered the call. "Norman, what's up?"

"Boss, you need to meet me at your old house. I've got updates on the investigation," Norman said, his voice tense.

"I'll be there in twenty," Stefan replied, his mind shifting gears.

He quickly made his way to his car, his thoughts racing.

"Norman," Stefan greeted as he stepped out of the car. "What did you find?" He gestured for Norman to follow him inside.

Norman spread out the papers on the coffee table. "The hacker dug deeper into the connections between your uncles, Matteo and Joseph, and various underworld figures. Undeniably, evidence links them to Robert Dickson, Jonathan Baldwin, and several other notorious criminals."

Stefan's jaw tightened. Hearing Amber's father's name wasn't surprising, but he knew he needed to talk to Amber privately, and it wouldn't be easy. 

"Go on."

Norman handed him a list of names. "These are the people who were involved in planning the airplane crash that killed your parents. Your uncles orchestrated the whole thing, Stefan. They've been in bed with these criminals for years."

Stefan scanned the list, his hands shaking with rage. "Those bastards," he muttered. "They killed my parents for what? Money? Power?"

Norman nodded solemnly. "Both. They saw your parents as obstacles to their ambitions. With them out of the way, Matteo and Joseph could expand their illegal operations without interference."

Stefan's eyes blazed with anger. "I knew they were corrupt, but this... This is unforgivable."

"This evidence is solid. We can take it to the authorities and make sure they pay for what they've done," Norman said firmly.

Stefan took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside him. "Thank you, Norman. I appreciate everything you've done. They can't be allowed to get away with it."

Norman nodded. "We'll make our move soon. In the meantime, be careful. They might suspect you're onto them."

Stefan's fists clenched at his sides. "Let them come. I'm ready for them."

Norman's expression hardened. If the culprits come after him, they will surely use Amber, as they know by now that she is his weakness. He won't let any of them touch even Amber's hair. He vowed silently.

Norman sat uneasily, glancing at the additional stack of papers he had yet to present. He knew the information about David and Andrew was critical, but he was concerned about how Stefan would take it after the explosive revelations about his uncles.

"Mr. Morgan," Norman began cautiously, "there's more we need to discuss."

Stefan looked up, the intensity in his eyes making Norman falter momentarily. "What is it, Norman?"

Norman took a deep breath. "It's about David and Andrew. I've confirmed 

they're siblings."

Stefan's brow furrowed. "Siblings? How did I not know this?"

"They've kept it well hidden. It seems they're not close—more like rivals than brothers," Norman explained, handing over the documents.

Stefan's eyes scanned the pages. "David's starting his own business? Why did he leave Lehman Shop?"

Norman nodded. "From what I've gathered, David discovered you're the Chairman of Lehman Group. He decided to go his own way, likely to distance himself from your influence."

Stefan's jaw tightened. How did David know about his hidden identity? It should be from someone close to him. "And Andrew?"

Norman shook his head. "Andrew's a mystery. He's intentionally hiding his identity. We know very little about him, and that's concerning."

Stefan's frustration was palpable. "So, David and Andrew aren't on good terms, but both are interested in Amber?"

Norman hesitated before replying, "Yes, it seems that way. And Amber has stopped communicating with both of them."

Stefan's mind raced. The thought of these two men being interested in his wife made his blood boil. "Why did she stop talking to them?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Norman admitted. "It could be because she found out they're brothers, or maybe she's just trying to distance herself from potential complications."

Stefan sighed, leaning back in his chair. "David and Andrew... this complicates things. Especially if David knows who I am and Andrew is hiding something."

Norman nodded in agreement. "It's unsettling. We need to know more about Andrew, especially given his interest in Mrs. Morgan."

Stefan clenched his fists, determination flaring in his eyes. "Norman, I want you to conduct a thorough investigation on Andrew. Leave no stone unturned. I need to know who he is and what his intentions are."

Norman gave a firm nod. "Consider it done. I'll start immediately and update you as soon as I find anything."

Stefan stood, pacing the room. "This is a mess, Norman. With everything going on, the last thing I need is these two sniffing around Amber. I need to protect her, especially now..." 

Norman looked puzzled. "Now?"

Stefan's gaze softened momentarily. "Just... make it happen, Norman. And be discreet," he paused. "And one more thing, I need to know who the hacker is."