Chapter 20 None of Your Business
The organizer was anxious.
“Who planted this virus? They’re trying to wreck the expo!”
Caleb sneered as he addressed the crowd below.
“Being a dev isn’t just about coding. It’s about seeing trouble coming.
“Where was your security awareness? And now you’re just blaming others?
“Hey, Supreme Sword dev, tell us how your system stopped this virus. Even to a layman like me, it sounds rather incredible.”
Caroline looked up, startled by Caleb’s presence.
William stepped up, face red with rage.
But Caleb didn’t even deign to look at him.
Now, all eyes were on Caroline.
She looked down, voice soft and raw. “You’re right. We messed
“Supreme Sword? Six years in dev hell. No hype, no cash. Just us, grinding. Hit the top because players believed in us.
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“Only devs get it. What it took to make it here.
b
“We just wanted to meet our players. Face to face. Never thought someone would pull this at a gaming expo.”
13 min left
Her words, laced with barely hidden hurt, resonated with other developers who had sacrificed everything for their games.
Many immediately rallied to her defense, challenging Caleb.
“The invite was to show our games to the world. Nobody said anything about testing our security!”
“Exactly! Many international teams are tiny studios without security experts. Who could’ve seen this coming?”
Caroline went on, “If this is some kind of test, it’s just cruel. Once a game gets labeled as a fraud, that mark never leaves.”
“I thought it was just sabotage, and we were ready to team up with the organizer to find the culprit.
܂
“But if this isn’t about taking down Supreme Sword–if the organizer planned this–we’re out. Supreme Sword is leaving the expo.”
William nodded, grim–faced, and started packing up their gear.
As he worked, he shot a cold glare at Caleb.
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13 min left
“Somalistualisht just to get noticed. Yet, the bigguysaan crushinggamedyas tied bhal Mnd they even have thèave too lectureaussabbu vigglance!
“No wonderyouddaktyours secretary and your wifeldEven thoroug 41 it tookdherifiveyeaasssbhdifinallyssawwhaha pretentionsjerde yoou areb Pretty take!!!”
Caleb’s associateeskewww.hh Caacbiline was, but for others.sitivasis
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With Caroline’s carieratiualdejitasdlearthdhad invested more in theirunarriagee.
Even from two floors belowy Cala obline escanggih Caleb’s Bashoff anger.
She turned awayya:subtle smittplayingacrosshheillips.
As the Supreme Sword’s team packedupp suppport for Caroline e andWilliam grewlouder.
Kontcompetitors even spoke up.“Yeahhayea’ecompeting with Supreme Sword, but enjoy their gameeIffbesired forcebutikke this, wereant too!”
“Canunitùssonitaswell! This isn’t fairr Auckwithlone persoon
welling somuchiinfluence, we won’t get good investbussianyway. Hettssall bril!!”
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Chapter 20 None of Your Business
13 min left
The organizer upstairs was frantic, nearly ready to leap down to stop the exodus.
But with Caleb present, he didn’t dare oppose him openly.
Caleb watched everything unfold. He saw how people reacted and pretty much figured out who was behind the virus.
Just as he prepared to speak, a new voice cut through the chaos.
“Supreme Sword’s too good to get trashed by baseless claims. I’ve hired a pro tech team on my dime. I doubt the organizer would pull something like this. It’s gotta be dirty competition, and I’m gonna prove it!”
Anthony strode in confidently through the entrance.
Several developers‘ faces immediately lit up with hope.
Caleb tightened his grip on the railing, his eyes flashing with disgust.
Why is he everywhere?
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Anthony walked to Caroline and carefully replaced their equipment.
“So this is the game project you mentioned earlier. Supreme Sword is exceptional, and the International Game Expo is
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exactly where it belongs. Don’t let anger rob you of this opportunity. I’ll help you.”
13 min left
Caleb scoffed, “Mr. Garcia, who are you to help her this time?”
“I’m a gaming fan myself,” Anthony replied. “Garcia Group’s been eyeing this market for two years. I want in on Supreme Sword.”
“Please,” Caleb cut in. “Your tech? Can’t touch Martin Group’s. We’ve got the clients. The channels. You need investors? We’re your best bet.”
“Really, Mr. Martin?” Anthony’s voice dripped sarcasm. “You just tried to kill this game. Now you want a piece? That’s how you roll?”
“Just a lovers‘ spat,” Caleb shrugged. “Game’s solid, sure. But I needed to test her backbone. And you? Stay in your lane, outsider.”
B
