Chapter 3

I settled into the confidential quarters. The Elite Task Force was assigned to guard me around the clock. I knew that they weren't just protecting my safety but monitoring me as well.

I wasn't going to be able to go about freely as long as Gwen's suspicion hadn't been cleared, since I was both her husband and also the whistleblower.

Coincidentally, I needed an absolutely safe environment for me to proceed with my next step anyway.

The next day, someone from the Investigation Bureau came to me. Anton was accompanied by two middle-aged men in charge of internal investigations.

"Dr. Derek Hopkins, we investigated the hotel surveillance footage and questioned both Gwen Everett and Deacon Hopkins. Gwen admitted her mistake and said that she only panicked because she felt guilty toward you."

One of the men looked at me sharply and said, "Your brother, Deacon, also said that he just couldn't control himself when he slept with her. However, it never involved any confidential information in the first place."

I chuckled out loud.

"They couldn't control themselves, they said?"

I produced a memory stick and pushed it toward them.

"I duplicated the data from Gwen's computer. You can take a look at the contents. Aside from all of her chat logs with Deacon, there's also evidence of her abusing her position to improperly approve his applications for cadre family housing and hiring him through backdoor methods."

The three men's faces turned serious at that allegation, and Anton's eyes were filled with shock and fury.

One was a simple matter of conduct, and another was an abuse of power for personal gain. Both were completely different matters altogether. It also represented a huge flaw in the organization's system. It would be a huge stain on their reputation if it wasn't handled properly.

I continued calmly and said, "Deacon complained repeatedly to Gwen that his current apartment was too small, and his job was also terrible. He envied me for being hired here and allowed to live in the company-provided housing.

"Gwen then comforted him and went against regulations to apply for a cadre family welfare quota for him from the organization, successfully finding him a high-paying, cushy job. He will also soon be moving into the cadre housing complex.

"If I remember correctly, this quota is specifically meant for cadre family members who meet the criteria for top-tier talent, right?"

Anton lowered his head and remained silent, but he clenched his fists so tightly that even the veins were bulging.

The two men from internal investigations exchanged glances with each other and took the memory stick with them.

"We will verify this information as quickly as possible."

Anton sighed wearily after they left. "I'm sorry that you had to go through all that, Dr. Hopkins."

I shook my head and said, "I care more about her loyalty to the organization and the safety of the country."

Back then, I hadn't just gotten together with Gwen because I loved her. It was also because I respected and admired her a lot.

I respected her for dedicating her youth to keeping the country safe. She was a very determined and vigilant young woman after all. However, she was also the one who shattered all of my illusions about her.

Anton rose to his feet and solemnly promised me, "Rest assured that the organization will never let the bad guys get away with anything!"

I nodded. Just as I was about to leave, I suddenly recalled something and turned around again to face him. I looked very puzzled and hesitant as I asked, "By the way, I think that there's something you should know about, Chief Boyle. I've been thinking about it for a while.

"While investigating Deacon, I discovered that he had numerous travel records abroad and also often met up with a foreign friend of some sort.

"I saw on Gwen's computer that they had always been in close contact with each other. Deacon even said that his foreign friend was particularly curious about Gwen's line of work, and she often sent them classified photos of the workplace and technical documents in the past."

I tried my best to appear like a regular, worried family member as I chose my next words carefully.

"Chief, I'm just worried that Deacon might have been used by foreign forces to drag Gwen under the bus…"

My voice eventually trailed off, and I let out a pitiful sob. There was some genuineness in the tears that I shed after that.

However, my tears were for the love I thought I had that was now dead, and for my wife, who was about to fall completely into the abyss.

Anton immediately looked at me, his eyes filled with unprecedented vigilance and seriousness.

"Which country is that friend from? What is his name?"

By now, the entire situation had completely reversed.

It had simply started out as a seemingly private matter, but now, Gwen was suddenly the prime suspect for leaking top-secret documents to foreign forces.

It was game over for her. She didn't have anywhere to run anymore.