?Chapter 1124:


    Ellis’s answer came clear and firm. “My country has plenty of talent to carry the day. It doesn’t rest on my shoulders alone.”


    He stood tall, his words ringing with pride. His nation was a powerhouse, and victory in thepetition was all but certain. But if duty ever called him back to the fight, he’d answer without a second thought.


    Laird raised an eyebrow, ncing at Freya nearby. “Is it because you can’t bear to leave your girl? Worried she’ll be upset if you go?”


    Ellis’s reply was quick and sharp, delivered with a cool, unwavering tone. “I’m more worried you’ll be wiping tears after getting crushed.” He paused, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “Besides, who’s the one crying to me every year after a loss?”


    Laird was at a loss for words. Crying? That wasn’t it at all. He was throwing down a challenge, in and simple.


    Ellis handed back the documents, his voice firm but calm. “Don’t try kidnapping my girl or my friends again. I’ll let it slide this time, but next time, I won’t be so kind.”


    Laird smirked. “You call that fair y?”


    Ellis tilted his head, puzzled.


    “You took my card and called it square?” Laird pushed.


    Ellis’s eyes glinted with mischief. “Around here, we call that payment for the trouble you caused.”


    Laird had noeback. He knew Ellis well enough to drop it. Arguing would only leave him steaming, and he wasn’t about to fall into that trap.


    Ellis stood, taking Freya’s hand, his fingers casually brushing the ck card Laird had handed over. “We’re sticking around a few more days. I’ll have someone return this before we head home.”


    “Was she K?” the man asked, his face lit with excitement.


    Howe leaned in, just as curious. They weren’t usually ones to pry, but when something caught their interest, they couldn’t help themselves.


    Ellis’s lips curved into a small, amused smile. “Yep.”


    “Your girlfriend?”


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    “Yeah,” Ellis said, pride in his voice.


    “Can we meet her? Maybe have a quick chat? She’s my idol.” Huey’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.


    “Mine too,” Howe added, nodding.


    Ellis’s chest swelled with pride. Having such an incredible girlfriend was something to brag about.


    “I seem to remember someone calling me their idol when they joined up,” Ellis teased, his gaze flicking between them. “What’s it been, ten years? And now you’re switching teams?”


    Huey grinned, his usual mission-ready seriousness gone. “You’re our idol in the field, no doubt. But online? K’s the legend.” He leaned forward. “Ask anyone—who doesn’t look up to the King of Hackers?”


    A myth in the digital world. A ghost who could track down anything online. Beyond her hacking skills, she was a fierce fighter, a crack shot, and a brilliant investigator.


    And, to top it all off, she was stunning.


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