?Chapter 979:


    Ethan decided directness offered the only path forward, recognizing Frederick would remain tight-lipped otherwise. “Ellismissioned someone to nt this virus on my device as retribution for my actions.”


    Frederick’s mind flooded with questions, each more rming than thest.


    His heart hammered against his ribs as dread washed over him. “Ellis orchestrated this?”


    “Indeed,” Ethan confirmed solemnly.


    Frederick’s thoughts raced frantically.


    Ellis had targeted his own friend, and Frederick had unwittingly dismantled the virus, effectively positioning himself in opposition to Ellis. Should Ellis discover his interference, he would face dire consequences!


    “I’ve just realized your phone’s virus hasn’t beenpletely neutralized,” Frederick fabricated, desperate to avoid Ellis’s formidable displeasure. “Allow me another examination.”


    Ethan relinquished his phone, cingplete faith in Frederick’s expertise.


    Frederick’s fingers danced across the keyboard with practiced precision, swiftly reinstating Freya’s original virus. To prevent immediate detection, he powered down Ethan’s device.


    “Taskpleted,” Frederick announced, returning the phone to its owner. “Urgent matters require my attention elsewhere. Please verify everything functions properly.”


    With those hastily spoken words, he departed, deliberately denying Ethan any opportunity for further discussion.


    Frederick’s nerves jangled discordantly as he contemted the potential fallout of his actions. Restoring the virus shouldn’t disrupt Ellis’s grand scheme, should it? He shuddered at the thought of punishment—the dreadedps around the track or Ellis’s notoriously brutal training sessions.


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    Ethan observed Frederick’s peculiar behavior with puzzlement but chose not to dwell on it extensively. Noticing his powered-down phone, he switched it on, intending to transfer his SIM card at ater time.


    However, the moment the device sprang to life, a boisterous voice sted from its speakers. “Mom,e and give me a good punch. Too bad. You can’t catch me. Hahaha…”


    Ethan stood petrified with shock.


    The phone’s raucous outburst instantly captured the attention of nearby onlookers.


    Ethan muttered a colorful expletive regarding Frederick’s unreliability and hastily forced the device to shut down.


    What devious game was Frederick ying? The virus was supposedly eradicated, so why had the phone resumed its embarrassing performance?


    Frederick, meanwhile, savored his narrow escape, sprinting back toward their designated meeting location.


    Upon arrival, he discovered most of theirpanions already assembled.


    Trent, ever observant, noted Frederick’s furtive demeanor and arched an inquisitive eyebrow. “Carrying the weight of some hidden transgression, are we?”


    “Absolutely not,” Frederick protested, nervously raking fingers through his hair. “Merely checking the whereabouts of Ellis and Freya. Weren’t wemitted to facilitating their romantic connection today?”


    Trent adjusted his sses contemtively, deliberately choosing not to expose Frederick’s transparent deception.


    Once Ethan rejoined their gathering, the entire group embarked on their recreational activities.


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