Stay with Me

11. A viral scandal.

Double updates😃 I enjoyed all your comments, so here you are. See ya next time.

Joseph looked very adorable in his new clothes today and despite the surprised looks everyone there was giving him, he was focused on watching the layout. Old Xav took him to the empty seat before leaving.

"Let's welcome him," Irene stated and insisted the clap as others followed. They might not know who Joseph was and just linked the name but she knew. What was Alfred planning? Even she has no idea.

Joseph just smiled shyly and clasped his knees. The attention was making him blush. Meanwhile, Safiyya who was behind the scenes where the facilitators were watching over the systems, smiled brightly as she watched her baby walk in. It has started and up to the end, she prayed to Allah that her son feels the best.

"I won't take more of your time and let my superior take over, " Irene continued her speech. "Hill Corp wouldn't be here without the founder who brought the company to what it is today and with his effort, many youths have found joy in their passion for technology. Here is the owner and CEO of Hill Corp, Alfred Hill!"

There came the applause again as the said person walked to the podium. He wore a similar outfit to his son, his hair was trimmed to the base of his neck and combed back gracefully with two strands on his temples. His beard was also trimmed, showing off the handsome young vibe. He nodded at Irene and she shifted to the side.

Joseph who was sitting back was amazed as he watched his father on stage. Okay, his mummy told him that his Dad was a boss at work but he didn't expect him to own this beautiful building he just witnessed.

Alfred looked calmly at the crowd and began his speech. "Passion and hard work make a great man but which comes first if not passion? When it comes to the science and technology field, only burning passion keeps us pursuing forth. It's been a few years but this hasn't diminished in our hearts but increased as well. Here at Hill Corp, we don't create items that make humanity lazy or bored but those that would impact lives positively and make a great change in the world. Hill Corp doesn't just accept geniuses but talents who are always ready to showcase their works to the world. Today, we have veteran engineers and novice ones too, and be prepared to welcome new gadgets that will blow your minds," he concluded and they clapped. He said something to Irene before walking down the short stairs to the front guest. He shook their hands, exchanging short words before he came before his son.

Joseph grinned and Alfred couldn't help but return with a smile before giving Joseph his hand. Joseph gingerly shook it before his father carried him and sat down again. The gesture surprised a lot but there wasn't time to think as the display was about to start.

Behind the scenes, Safiyya smiled gently as she watched the screen before her. They look so good together like a perfect family and it just melted her heart. Isn't this one of what she wished for? Alhamdulillah.

"Mr. Hill is so handsome don't you think? Oh my goodness, he just smiled!" Kate, who was beside her cooed.

"Yeah," Safiyya muttered and felt a nudge on her shoulder. She glanced at Kate who gave her a mysterious smile. "You just admit to someone being handsome. You aren't crushing on Mr. Hill right?"

"Of course not Kate," Safiyya rolled her eyes. This man is her husband, she's seen more of him okay?

"Anyways, that boy resembles the CEO a bit. Do you think that he is his son?" Kate said thoughtfully. "You know, there had been old news of him having a child and this boy bears the same surname as Mr. Hill. Who knows, he might be his son and besides, I've never seen the CEO smile but today. Look, he's even carrying the boy,"

"That might be possible," Safiyya shrugged.

Kate hummed. "You are his project secretary, didn't you find anything?"

"Nothing Kate. The display is starting. I have to leave," Safiyya said quickly and walked away from there.

Kate just shouted behind her."As the first secretary of the CEO, use the opportunity well!"

Safiyya shook her head and soon came before the staff working on the system that controlled the display. Sitting at the desk was the Indian man from the computer department, Zohaib. They have been in touch throughout the project and were quite close than before.

"Oh hi, Miss Safiyya," he waved at her. She nodded at him and watched the display start.  Alfred's project was to be displayed last while the other ten took about five minutes each for appraisal. Despite knowing about them, Safiyya was still amazed by the presentation.

The fourth was on display when Zohaib received a call. He was quiet before his face twisted in surprise and worry. He ended the call and turned to the quizzical Safiyya.

"We have a problem," he said and she asked what it was.

"Felix just called. He was inspecting his gadget again when he realized a fault in the system. He tried repairing it but it seems it had been affected by a virus," Zohaib answered.

"A virus?" Safiyya was baffled. That can't be right. They have been checking all the gadgets since last week. 

"That's not all but the other five have the same problem," Zohaib said with dread. "These ten gadgets are the bridge for the others in the warehouse. Their systems are connected, so if these one are affected, it will affect the others too,"

Safiyya gasped as she stated wide eyes. This was horrible. A fault in the gadgets means the tech display will be ruined and it will greatly affect Hill Corp too. So many people were watching. But…

"How did a virus get into the systems?" she couldn't help but ask.

"I don't know but we have to start solving it," Zohaib shook his head and they rushed to where the engineers were. Zohaib called some of his seniors and they started checking earnestly.

"This is bad, the virus is getting worse and affecting the system even more. We can't even stop it, except we delete it all," Zohaib said in exasperation.

"Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun," Safiyya muttered and moved away from them. Two minutes were gone already with their effort to no avail.

"I have to inform Sir Alfred. This is serious," she quickly opened her phone and called him.

"What happened?" he asked.

"Sir Alfred. There is a big problem. A virus affected the gadgets and it's getting worse. I don't know what to do," she stated worryingly. He was quiet before saying, "Wait, I am coming,"

Safiyya nodded and waited for a short while before he arrived. The workers there all looked worried as they looked at the CEO.

"Let me see that," Alfred said and they gave him the way to check. His brows furrowed as he finished the brief examination. He'd never seen such a virus before!

"We can't solve this in a short time," he muttered and they went silent. "Miss Safiyya?"

"Yes sir," she walked over immediately.

"Inform them to display the last item for the day next. Try to delay the remaining ones as much as you can for at least ten minutes," he told her. Safiyya nodded and left to do it. Alfred frowned and opened his wristwatch. This wasn't the time to think of who sabotaged the company, how, and when but to try his best to solve this virus which could result in the biggest scandal in his career. Not only was the world watching but his world, his son was watching too. He has to try his best.

Can Alfred solve this pending doom?🥺