Chương 18: Confession?

Throughout the whole day, Thea gained a general understanding of the Weapon Development Department, which was scattered and lacked organization. She realized that despite her desire to do something, she couldn't just take away these equipment.

This was one of the things with the modern corporate systems; everything was strictly regulated, even if she became the CEO herself. After all, these were company assets, not her personal property. Batman's equipment was obtained through collusion between himself and the company CEO, engaging in some shady dealings. It seemed he had even stolen from his own company?

She found it amusing when watching the movie, but now that she was in the same situation, she felt frustrated. She couldn't just go to the warehouse manager and say, "For the sake of a more humane work environment, I'll take a couple of missiles, please?" Or, "These submachine guns look nice, give me five thousand rounds of ammunition to decorate my office with?" Moreover, she didn't have a place to process these things herself. Maybe she could use the Queen Group's steel manufacturing and welding factory that Oliver, the future Green Arrow, had established? But no, Moira was keeping a close eye on her, and she didn't have the time.

Over the next few days, Thea kept visiting the R&D department, not really getting anything tangible but just satisfying her curiosity. Dr. Hoffman didn't oppose her interest in explosives and rockets, and they occasionally chatted. Days went by like this.

Moira naturally knew her daughter's whereabouts and couldn't help but wonder if her daughter hadn't completely recovered from the trauma. Otherwise, why would any girl be interested in drones and missiles?

Malcolm didn't think there was a big problem. He was already teetering between madness and sanity himself. He just confirmed some of the weapons his daughter was interested in. According to his advisers' analysis, she was focused on high-tech, high-lethality weapons. What was she planning to do? Was she preparing for Armageddon? He himself only intended to destroy slums, but his daughter seemed to have inherited his blood and was even more radical than he was?

Finally, on that particular day,, Thea spent the entire morning researching mid-range missiles with Dr. Hoffman. Seeing this Moira couldn't sit still anymore so she decided to give her daughter something to do, commonly referred to as "adding weight to her shoulders."

"Thea, take a look at this document."

"The group is expanding its software department? That's great, let's get it done." Thea was puzzled. Why did you come to me for this?

"I'm planning to put you in charge of establishing and managing the software department," Moira thought to herself. 'Queen Industries is primarily focused on the steel industry, and most of our resources and personnel are allocated there. The software department is basically an empty shell with nothing in it. You can tinker with it as you please. Besides, what's the use of messing around with software?' At least, that's what she thought, having never seen artificial intelligence.

Thea didn't have as many thoughts as her mother. She only knew that she finally had some power and wasn't just a bag carrier anymore. Although being an assistant sounded good, the work was too miscellaneous and passive, not in line with her personality. Now, she could finally stand on her own and be in charge! It was a cause for celebration!

"So, where will my office be? The company's floors are all occupied, and I haven't seen any place labeled as the software department."

"You can find your own office space in one of the company's properties. Everything depends on you. Let your mother see your capabilities." Moira encouraged her.

Really? Thea felt that there was too much good news today. She could be independent? Pick a place wherever she wanted? Of course, she didn't need to say anything directly now; she needed to go and observe the actual situation first. She said, "I understand. I will work hard to achieve results."

Given the order to transfer ten employees to establish the software department and the rest of the staff to be recruited, Thea left the CEO's office humming a song.

Seeing her daughter's satisfied expression, Moira felt relieved once again. Why once again? Because this daughter was too strange; she was serious about her work, diligent in her studies, and aggressively forward-thinking. Look at Tommy, he was much better, just lazing around in the Merlyn Group as always, flirting with the receptionist whenever he had nothing to do. He had never did anything as scary as researching missiles.

Picking up the phone, Moira instructed her secretary to book a European family tour package for Dr. Hoffman from the Weapons Development Department. The company would cover all expenses, with one condition – he shouldn't come back for three months!

Dr. Hoffman's wife had passed away many years ago, and upon receiving the news from the company, he took his two sons, a daughter, and a dog on a European tour. Eventually, in the Aegean Sea, he found his soulmate for the rest of his life. He was deeply grateful to the company, but that's another story.

Unaware that her actions led to her new friend's romantic encounter, Thea returned to her office desk, holding the documents and reviewing them again. Everything seemed to be going her way! If it were another department, she might have faced difficulties, but software? Heh, she knew Felicity, one of the world's best hacker. With her skills, there was no software challenge they couldn't conquer!

Since the last time they drank together, the two women had become very good friends. It sounded strange, but two women could indeed develop a close friendship over drinks! Alcohol truly was a catalyst for bonding, regardless of gender.

Thea hadn't visited Felicity in the office area yet. She should help her, right? Thea was a bit nervous. Would Felicity agree to give up her laid-back job and join Thea in her busy endeavors? Thea felt her mindset was a bit strange now. Anxious and uncertain, she wondered if she should even care. She could just issue a mandatory order. Ha ha!

Felicity worked in a remote area – It was the company's archives management IT department. . After searching for a while, Thea finally found the department tucked away in a corner on the second floor. This corner seemed to have an invisibility function; Thea bet that despite being here for so many days, she hadn't noticed this place.

Miss Felicity Smoak, the future Overwatch, was currently taking a nap, glasses off, resting her head on her desk. Thea noted the lipstick stains on the coffee cup; she had used quite a bit, and it looked like she had drooled a lot, staining a large portion of her sleeve red.

Knocking on the table, Thea said, "Hey, wake up. Don't sleep."

Miss Smoak groggily opened her eyes, squinting at the figure in front of her. After a moment, she put her glasses back on and scrutinized Thea. "Thea? Is it time to go home? Are you here to drink with me?"

Good grief, was this girl an alcoholic? There was no mention of this in the plot. Wasn't she a bit of a shut-in? Without dwelling too much on the thought, Thea blurted out, "Felicity, would you like to go out with me?"

Felicity's expression clearly conveyed her confusion. She seemed stunned, muttering, 'Are you... Are you confessing to me? I... I need to think about it.'

Thea was close to going crazy. I said it in English, why are you interpreting it like this? What's with your thought process? But after some consideration, she realized she couldn't entirely blame her. The question she asked was a bit problematic too.