Wife by Day, Boss by Night by Thalia Quillspeak

Chapter 24

Meanwhile, a tiny cheer came from behind the desk at the Howard residence.

“Got it!” Nate’s small figure almost went unseen in front of the 32–inch curved computer monitor in the study.

The contrast between his expertise in working on the computer and his childlike features was striking.

Nate had once seen a picture in Brian’s safe, a small ID photo of a pretty, clean–cut girl in a school uniform. But he had never met this girl among the people he knew.

With Brian out, Nate had finally cracked the password to his father’s computer, and in a locked photo album, he found more pictures of the mysterious girl.

“Holy moly…” he gasped in amazement. His eyes widened as he scrutinized the woman’s face. on the screen.

Nate had a hunch that this girl might be his mom, despite what people said about him being the son of the disliked Ms. Harris. He didn’t feel like he looked anything like Ms. Harris. And he hated the term “bastard“. It sounded like an insult.

“Nate?” Brian’s voice suddenly called from outside the door.

Startled and not nearly done with the photos, Nate’s legs trembled as he quickly shut down the album and scampered to the door, latching onto Brian’s leg with a puppy–like eagerness.

Brian glanced at the still–lit computer screen and frowned.

he has shown an exceptional

late talker, his reading skills had surpassed his peers. He skipped learning phonics altogether and went straight to recognizing words. So, working a

you not to touch the computer in the study?” Brian asked sternly, his voice

was rare for Brian to be this harsh with Nate, leaving the boy flustered. “Da, Daddy,” he began, but his mouth

Brian said, his gaze softening as he looked at Nate’s sad little face.

a boiling point, subsided somewhat at the sight of

pulled him into his room, too scared

1/2

Chapter 24

off–limits to Nate. Apart from

into his room, Brian turned and closed the study door with a definitive

the carousel Inside, placed in the

walked up to the cabinet slowly,

his pocket vibrated, a subtle

pressed the answer button and held

we’ve got a response from FireWing!” Reid’s voice was tinged with excitement on the other end of

quickly logged onto the hacker

had sent a message,

files on the

and now you come to me. I’m sorry, but

retorted, [Name your price. Twenty