Chapter 9: Chapter Nine: The Mysterious Hacker

Frederic Bessemer suddenly spoke, "It seems Winfred Bessemer's allowance has been a bit generous lately; let's give it all to An'an instead."

Winfred Bessemer was taken aback, then he complained with a pained expression, "Dad! That's not fair!"

Gemma Bessemer was also confused. Was this even possible? But what would she do with the money anyway?

She quickly climbed onto Frederic Bessemer's lap and wrapped her tender, white arms around his neck.

"Daddy... An'an doesn't want money. An'an wants to save for Daddy."

Frederic Bessemer felt a pang of sadness. This four-year-old was so mature and understanding. It seemed she had a tough time with her mother...

He turned to glare at Winfred Bessemer, "Learn from your sister. Not just this month, but next month and the month after that, no allowance!"

What? Three months without an allowance? How could he show off to his friends or buy gifts for girls? Just as he was about to plead, Frederic Bessemer's stern look silenced him.

He nodded reluctantly, "Father is right, but this is a bit too harsh..."

Frederic Bessemer ignored him, giving no room for negotiation.

Winfred Bessemer turned to Channing Bessemer for help, "Bro, can you reason with him?"

"Don't. I think Dad is doing the right thing. In fact, he's being lenient."

Channing Bessemer wore a smug expression, enjoying the show, and even took a jab at Winfred Bessemer, who could only swallow his bitterness silently.

Gemma Bessemer watched Winfred Bessemer's defeat with a triumphant smile, secretly giggling into Frederic Bessemer's shoulder, her cheeks turning red.

She accidentally met eyes with Edmund Bessemer. The probing and observant look in his eyes made her start, but she quickly replaced it with an innocent smile.

There was something different about this third brother, and he was the most mysterious. Gemma Bessemer decided she needed to find out more.

The day after the family photo, the four brothers were unusually at home, spending time with Gemma Bessemer.

With Frederic Bessemer absent, they sprawled on the sofa, except for Edmund Bessemer, who sat alone, disliking others' touch.

Gemma Bessemer held her phone, her small hands barely managing to grasp it, looking a bit strained.

"What's this?" she asked curiously, pointing at a picture, "Is this Murphy?"

Winfred Bessemer leaned over to take a look and suddenly exclaimed, "Murphy is trending!"

Murphy Bessemer, unfazed, continued to scroll through his phone, his expression unchanged.

After Winfred Bessemer repeated himself, Channing Bessemer said impatiently, "Big deal. Isn't this normal?"

"Renowned actor has a daughter out of wedlock; multiple photos reveal their relationship..."

Before Channing Bessemer could finish, the phone was snatched away.

Murphy Bessemer scrolled through the screen, and his expression darkened upon seeing the photos.

These were clearly stolen shots from D.M Studio, showing intimate moments between Murphy Bessemer and Gemma Bessemer.

Their close embrace and the resemblance in their features would leave no doubt in anyone's mind that they were father and daughter.

For an actor, this was a devastating blow. The public backlash and media scrutiny could be overwhelming.

Murphy Bessemer immediately understood what had happened, clenching his fists tightly, his face darkening. He hadn't expected Roxanne Fanny to have such audacity!

Channing Bessemer, calm but with a cold gaze, said, "File a lawsuit immediately. Don't give her a chance."

Almost instantly, Murphy Bessemer's phone rang.

After a brief conversation, he grabbed his coat and car keys, "My agent needs me. I'm leaving."

Channing Bessemer followed, smoothing out a wrinkle in his suit, "Mo Chen, gather some evidence."

They left one after another. Edmund Bessemer, without a word, slipped through the door. The wall turned, and the room fell silent, leaving Gemma Bessemer and Winfred Bessemer staring at each other.

Gemma Bessemer leaned against Winfred Bessemer, her voice soft, "Winfred, I want watermelon..."

Winfred Bessemer, melted by her cuteness, immediately picked up his phone, "Okay, I'll get it for you."

But Gemma Bessemer stopped him, shaking her head, "No, I want Winfred to buy it personally. It tastes better that way."

What kind of logic was this?

Winfred Bessemer was puzzled. Did she really want him to go out? What was going on in her little head?

He looked down to see Gemma Bessemer pouting, her nose red, her long, curly lashes trembling, as if she would cry if he refused.

Seeing the scorching sun outside, Winfred Bessemer sighed and got up, resigned. Who could resist her cuteness?

"I'll be back soon, okay? Be good."

He ruffled her fluffy hair and left, still worried.

As soon as the door closed, Gemma Bessemer ran into Winfred Bessemer's bedroom, her eyes scanning the room before settling on a particular figurine.

A faint smile appeared on her lips. Edmund's habits were indeed predictable.

She quickly made a mess, then swiftly opened Winfred Bessemer's computer, her movements practiced.

Her fingers flew over the keyboard, lines of code flowing smoothly. Her eyes, once innocent, now showed calm and intelligence.

Five minutes passed, and she was stuck on the last firewall... Gemma Bessemer's movements slowed, her nose starting to sweat.

Was her skill declining? Winfred Bessemer would be back soon.

After three more minutes, she tried a different approach, and the breakthrough came.

Just as she retrieved the data, she sensed something was off. Someone had already been here!

Who could break through the defenses faster than her in such a short time?

This person even reinforced the system and left a string of strange symbols, which Gemma Bessemer recognized as a unique form of communication among hackers.

The symbols were a greeting, with a hint of arrogance and nonchalance, as if the speed was nothing special.

From the scandal breaking out to now, only fifteen minutes had passed, and someone had beaten her to it...

Hearing movement at the door, Gemma Bessemer quickly shut down the computer and climbed onto the bed, hugging a doll.

Phew, her legs were too short; climbing onto the bed took a lot of effort. She rubbed her legs, sighing.

"An'an... Gemma Bessemer?"

Winfred Bessemer pushed the door open, seeing his room in disarray and Gemma Bessemer sitting innocently on the bed.

"Winfred, you're back? Where's my watermelon?"

Winfred Bessemer, as a doctor, couldn't tolerate any disorder in his space, and his expression was strained.

Edmund Bessemer suddenly appeared at the door, glancing at the familiar sock on the high shelf and the seemingly untouched computer, then meeting Gemma Bessemer's gaze.

He was usually a solitary figure, so why was he here now?

As Gemma Bessemer pondered, Edmund Bessemer spoke, "Winfred Bessemer, where's the watermelon?"