Chapter 278: Seeds of Doubt
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Across the street, Roman Kozlov remained seated inside the black sedan, his eyes fixed on the towering headquarters of Blackwood Enterprises.
From his vantage point, he watched the scene unfold as the entrance descended into a frenzy of flashing cameras and microphones.
Roman pulled out his phone and dialed a familiar number. The call connected after the first ring.
“Tell the boss to turn on the news,” he said, his eyes never leaving the building’s main entrance. Something big is happening. The place is crawling with media.”
“I’ll let him know,” the voice on the other end said, and the line went dead.
Thousands of miles away…
Inside a lavish dining hall, Viktor Volkov sat alone at the head of an impossibly long dining table, quietly enjoying his dinner. The room was silent except for the occasional clink of silverware against fine porcelain.
A moment later, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the room. Igor strode inside and made his way to Viktor’s side before leaning down to whisper into his ear.
Viktor’s hand froze midway to his wine glass as his brows knitted together.
“What?!”
Igor straightened and gave a slight nod. “I think you need to see this, Boss.”
Viktor slowly set his utensils down before unfolding the napkin on his lap and wiping the corners of his
mouth.
“Show me.”
Igor immediately raised the tablet he had been carrying. After tapping the screen a few times, a live news broadcast filled the display before he placed it in front of Viktor
BREAKING NEWS
Blackwood Enterprises Hit by Massive Cyberattack
“We interrupt our regular programming with breaking news.”
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Blackwood Enterprises is facing what cybersecurity analysts are already describing as one of the most significant corporate cyberattacks in recent years.
The attack reportedly targeted the company’s Taiwan Headquarters, one of Blackwood Enterprises‘ largest and most profitable regional operations, bringing multiple critical systems to a standstill. Initial reports indicate that internal networks, logistics platforms, financial systems, and corporate communications have all been affected.
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Chapter 278–Seeds of Doubt
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matter describe the incident as severe. Authorities have been placed on high alert, and government agencies are reportedly preparing to intervene should evidence of criminal activity be confirmed.
The incident has already sent shockwaves through the business community. Investors, international partners, and financial analysts are closely monitoring the developing situation. Although Blackwood Enterprises‘ stock has remained relatively stable in early trading, market analysts are reporting increasing selling pressure as some investors move to reduce their exposure until the company releases an official
statement.
In response, Blackwood Enterprises‘ main headquarters has announced that President and CEO Damien Blackwood will address the media shortly. His statement is expected to provide the company’s first official update on the incident and outline the measures being taken to contain the situation.
This is a developing story. We’ll continue to bring you the latest updates as more information becomes available.
The live footage shifted to the front entrance of Blackwood Enterprises, where dozens of reporters crowded behind security barriers, each one waiting for the CEO’s official statement.
Viktor’s expression darkened.
His hand curled into a fist before slamming onto the dining table hard enough to rattle the dishes.
BANG!
He shot to his feet.
“Sukin syn!” (Son of a bitch!) he snarled.
Just then, Igor’s phone vibrated.
He pulled it from his pocket and glanced at the screen.
“Boss,” he said, looking up. “Roman just sent an update. Dominic Blackwood and Nicholas Ashcroft have both arrived at the building. There’s also a visible presence of their elite security team.”
A dangerous glint flashed across Viktor’s eyes.
“If this were something Damien could handle on his own, Dominic wouldn’t have shown up,” he said coldly. “And if Ashcroft is there as well… then this is far more serious than they’re letting on.”
His gaze hardened.
“Tell Roman to keep watching. I want to know every single thing that happens there.”
Igor gave a quick nod and immediately sent Roman a reply.
Viktor slowly lowered himself back into his chair and reached for his wine glass.
“This is too much of a coincidence,” he muttered. “First the attack on me… and now Blackwood Enterprises.”
He picked up the wine glass and drained it in one gulp.
“Who would be foolish enough to provoke him?”
< Chapter 228: Seeds of Doubt
He fell silent, his eyes narrowing as he rested his chin against his hand.
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“Either someone is reckless enough to challenge Blackwood…” he murmured, “or this is another one of
Damien’s diversions.”
His gaze turned cold.
“If it’s the latter… we need to be ready.”
Just then, the volume from the tablet on the dining table drew his attention.
“…and we’re now taking you live to Blackwood Enterprises, where CEO Damien Blackwood is about to address the media regarding today’s cyberattack.”
Viktor’s eyes shifted to the screen.
The press conference was about to begin.
Damien stepped onto the podium, his expression unnervingly calm. His dark eyes were devoid of emotion, yet Viktor recognized the murderous fury hidden beneath them.
He knew that expression all too well.
It was the look Damien wore when he was truly angry.
The suspicion that this was all an elaborate diversion suddenly seemed far less convincing.
For the first time that day, Viktor questioned his own instincts.
Had he been wrong?
Viktor’s attention remained fixed on the tablet screen.
Damien stood behind the podium, his expression calm and composed as countless cameras focused on
him.
“Good afternoon.”
“Approximately one hour ago, our Taiwan Headquarters experienced a significant cybersecurity incident that disrupted several of our internal systems. Our cybersecurity specialists, together with independent experts, are working around the clock to contain the incident and restore normal operations.”
“I understand the concern this situation has caused among our employees, our clients, our business partners, our shareholders, and the public.”
“Let me be absolutely clear.”
“At this moment, we have found no evidence that customer information has been compromised, no evidence of financial assets being stolen, and no evidence that the integrity of our global operations has been affected.”
“I will personally oversee our response and travel to Taiwan to ensure this matter is resolved as quickly as possible. Thank you.”
As Damien stepped away from the podium, a reporter suddenly shouted,
“Mr. Blackwood! Do you believe this attack was directed at you?” Damien paused. +25 Points He slowly turned back toward the reporter, his expression unreadable. Then his gaze shifted to the camera directly in front of him, as though he were looking straight through the lens. “Only a fool would try.” 16 Comments LUCK DRAW Vote 7.2K Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.