Reincarnated With the Ultimate Son-in-law System

Chapter 16

Michael burst through the Buzzer Tech laboratory doors to find Rebecca disconnecting prototype devices from their testing stations, her movements fueled by fury.

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't destroy every piece of technology in this room," she demanded, clutching a Buzzer prototype. "You stole my life's work!"

"I didn't access those files," Michael replied firmly. "Someone is framing me."

"Your credentials, your access codes," Rebecca countered. "The logs don't lie."

"Logs can be manipulated. Let me show you."

Rebecca hesitated. "Five minutes. Then I walk—with all my research."

Michael brought up the security logs showing his credentials accessing the neural regeneration database at exactly 8:47 PM—when he was delivering his speech.

"Look at the access patterns," he said, highlighting code sequences. "These commands execute in perfect one-second intervals. No human types with that consistency."

Rebecca's scientific mind engaged despite her anger. "An automated script."

"Exactly," Michael nodded, isolating a routing signature. "And this belongs to a server registered to Titan Strategies."

"The shell company working with Neuro-Gen," Rebecca realized. "Maxwell Hughes."

"The same person who tried to steal your research before," Michael confirmed. "He's escalated from encrypting your files to outright theft while framing me."

"But how did they get your credentials? Olivia's security was supposed to be unhackable."

Michael entered a complex sequence, activating a hidden interface. "I maintain a secured backup server physically isolated from our main network. It mirrors all research data in real-time but requires in-person multi-factor authentication."

The screen displayed Rebecca's complete neural regeneration database—intact and uncompromised.

"Your research is safe," Michael assured her. "I've been in corporate technology long enough to recognize espionage patterns."

Rebecca's expression softened. "You anticipated they would target me."

"This attack was coordinated with the assassination attempt at the gala," Michael said grimly. "Someone wants both me and your research eliminated."

"What's our next move?" Rebecca asked, her determination returning.

"First, we improve security. Then we turn their tactics against them."

Two days later, Michael stood before the Crawford Enterprises executive board, presenting the Crawford Digital Security Initiative. Richard sat at the head of the table, while Eric maintained a carefully neutral expression.

"From the beginning, our implementation included specialized honeypot systems—deliberate vulnerabilities designed to identify potential security threats," Michael explained, displaying a sophisticated security architecture diagram.

He showed a series of anonymized access logs on the main screen. "These logs reveal organized efforts to exploit perceived vulnerabilities. Interestingly, these attempts preceded any public announcement of our systems, indicating someone with internal access was providing information to outside parties."

Vanessa visibly paled. Eric maintained his composure, though Michael noted the slight increase in his brother's heart rate.

"In response, I'm proposing a comprehensive security overhaul implementing quantum authentication protocols across all Crawford systems."

"This seems extremely thorough," ventured Board Member Wilson. "Perhaps even excessive given that no actual breaches have occurred."

"Prevention is always more cost-effective than remediation," Michael replied. "Especially when potential losses include reputation and client confidence."

Richard nodded approvingly. "Security isn't an area where we can afford to be reactive."

"What about costs?" Eric interjected, his voice conveying reasonable concern rather than opposition.

"By integrating these protocols during initial deployment rather than retrofitting later, we save approximately twenty-eight percent," Michael countered, displaying the budget analysis. "The architecture was designed with this upgrade path from the beginning."

By the meeting's conclusion, the security initiative had received unanimous approval—even Eric was forced to vote in favor to maintain appearances.

"Excellent work, Michael," Richard said afterward. "This is exactly the kind of forward thinking Crawford Enterprises needs."

Michael caught Eric's gaze across the corridor, recognizing the cold calculation in his brother's eyes. "Let him plan," Michael thought. "This time, I'll be three steps ahead."

The private dining room at the Cavalier Club ensured complete discretion for Michael's meeting with Victor Zhao.

"What exactly is the Phoenix Group?" Michael asked directly after preliminaries.

"Officially, we don't exist," Zhao replied. "Unofficially, we're a coalition of visionaries who recognize that true innovation is systematically suppressed by established technology monopolies."

"And your interest in Buzzer Technology?"

"Your neural interface is decades ahead of public research," Zhao said matter-of-factly. "Combined with the quantum authentication system and the neural regeneration applications you're developing with Dr. Chen, it represents a paradigm shift in human-technology interaction."

Michael's eyes narrowed. "How do you know about the neural regeneration applications? We haven't documented that integration anywhere."

"Consider this," Zhao offered. "The attempt to steal Dr. Chen's research utilized advanced system penetration techniques that even your security expert couldn't detect. Yet immediately after the breach, those techniques became suddenly unavailable to the attackers."

"You blocked them," Michael realized.

"We maintain certain defensive capabilities," Zhao confirmed. "We've been watching Buzzer Technology since its incorporation."

"Why?"

"Because we believe in what you're building," Zhao replied. "And because we know you're the actual owner of Buzzer Technology, not just a consultant as the corporate documents suggest."

The revelation hung between them before Michael responded. "And what do you intend to do with this information?"

"We're offering resources, protection, and connections—in exchange for first access to Buzzer Technology's products when they're ready for market."

"No ownership stake? No control over development?"

"None," Zhao confirmed. "Though we would appreciate regular updates and advance notice of significant breakthroughs."

Michael considered the offer. The Phoenix Group clearly had valuable resources and intelligence capabilities, yet their extensive knowledge presented its own risks.

"I'll need time to consider," Michael said finally.

"Of course," Zhao replied, sliding a small card across the table with secure contact protocols.

After leaving the meeting, Michael was notified of a package delivery to his apartment requiring in-person signature. Redirecting his driver, he found a small manila envelope awaiting him.

Inside was a single photograph that made Michael's blood run cold—a freshly dug rectangular hole in the ground, surrounded by trees, illuminated by moonlight. He recognized it instantly as the exact spot where Eric and Katherine had buried him alive in his previous timeline.

The photo's perspective matched his final view before dirt had covered his face. On the back, a single line of text read: "Some graves refuse to keep their secrets."

The System interface flashed a warning:

[WARNING: Timeline anomaly detected. Unknown entity has accessed cross-temporal information. Threat level: SEVERE.]

A new System message followed:

[New task assigned: Make contact with Sophia Morris at the Crawford Medical Center Fundraiser. Reward: Enhanced Perception Level 3.]

Michael stared at the photograph. Someone knew about his death in the previous timeline knowledge that should be impossible for anyone but himself.

The game had just changed in ways even the System hadn't anticipated.