Chapter 199
Emma chuckled at the reporter's question. Coding, she implied, was merely a rudimentary step. The question was as absurd as suggesting one couldn't appreciate a Nobel Prize in Chemistry without knowing how to write chemical equations. Impatience rippled through the audience.
Liam, who had remained silent, leaned forward, his black suit sharp against the microphone. His voice, cold and impatient, cut through the murmur. "Emma created her first AI invention at fifteen," he stated. "Do you think she doesn't know how to code? Computer science encompasses far more than coding. What you call 'coding' is a single step in software engineering. AI, Information Security, Computer Science and Technology, and Software Engineering are distinct fields. You should understand these differences before questioning her."
The reporter, crimson-faced, fell silent. Liam mused that Emma hadn't formally studied computer science; the field was relatively new. Yet, the reporter had chosen to attack her with technicalities – a blatant self-inflicted wound.
A ripple of laughter followed Liam's retort. Mortified, the reporter excused herself. The atmosphere relaxed; the Halls Group's press conferences were renowned for their extravagance – five-star venues and gourmet buffets. Emma's fifteen-year-old AI patent fueled intense curiosity, drawing industry leaders and reporters alike into conversations. Liam engaged in business discussions, but Simon, by the window, noticed uniformed officers at the hotel entrance.
The hotel was booked exclusively by the Halls Group. Why the police? He immediately instructed Derek to ascertain their purpose. Minutes later, Derek returned, visibly agitated.
"Mr. Hall, it's the police!" he announced.
"Why are they here?" Simon asked.
"They're looking for Miss Emma," Derek replied. "They suspect she's involved in online illegalities!"
Simon's expression tightened. What had Emma done? The police suspected hacking? The thought of Emma being apprehended in front of the media—a headline-grabbing spectacle—chilled him. His voice hardened. "Find a way to get her out of here." He turned and left.
Ten minutes later, Liam, freed from his meeting, sought Emma, but the dessert table was deserted. He found Simon. "Dad, have you seen Emma?"
Simon knew Liam's concern; he would act swiftly if Emma were in trouble. However, Simon had already learned the instigator: Lennon. He understood Lennon's influence in Troln City. Their family rivaled the Burnsons; cybercrime could be minor or major. If Lennon targeted Emma, the Burnsons might achieve what he couldn't – Emma's imprisonment. A calculating glint crossed Simon's eyes. Prioritizing Liam's safety, he said, "She had a sudden engagement at Holy Mountain. She asked me to tell you."
Liam, though puzzled by the late-night trip, knew Emma's penchant for spontaneous departures and her frequent visits to Holy Mountain. He didn't press, accepting Simon's explanation, especially after today's announcement. He immediately drove to Holy Mountain, over an hour away.
Meanwhile, a woman in a dark green gown was led into a police station – Emma. Calm and composed, despite her high heels and gown, she stood out among the other detainees. She tried calling Liam, but there was no signal. Realizing the situation, she called Josiah.
"What did you mean about Lennon being furious?" she asked, remembering Josiah's earlier words.
"Miss Wilson, are you in trouble?" Josiah asked, stunned.
"Someone accused me of hacking; I'm at the police station," she replied calmly, smoothing her gown.
Josiah was speechless. "Miss Wilson, stay calm," he urged. "Noah and I are coming. Will you have a record?"
Emma remained calm, but Josiah was frantic. "First, find Liam," she requested, concerned for his safety. "I fear something might happen to him."
Near Holy Mountain, Liam and Levi arrived, the poor signal preventing contact with Emma. As night deepened, Liam stopped, his unease growing. He turned to Levi. "Remember Emma's friend who hacks surveillance cameras?"
Levi recalled the mixed-race man from Antgem. Liam thought of Josiah, whom he’d threatened, and Emma's habit of contacting him during events. "Contact him. We need to find Emma."
Meanwhile, Emma was being interrogated. "Did you call the Burnsons' courtyard that night?"
"Yes," she admitted.
The officer, observing her youthful appearance, assumed a case of undisciplined juvenile delinquency involving readily available hacking software. He assumed she'd used it to obtain the Burnsons' number and threaten Lennon.
"Tell the truth. Where did you get the software?" he pressed.