The news spread before sunrise.
Election servers had been hacked.
Within hours, every television station in Valenridge was discussing only one thing.
Would the election be postponed?
Political commentators argued.
Opposition leaders demanded investigations.
Social media exploded with rumors.
Some claimed foreign hackers were responsible.
Others insisted the entire election had been compromised.
Nobody seemed certain about anything.
The uncertainty alone was enough to make people nervous.
Inside the National Election Commission headquarters, tension filled every hallway.
Engineers worked nonstop.
Cybersecurity experts stared at screens for hours without rest.
Government officials rushed between emergency meetings.
The country stood on the edge of panic.
And everyone waited for Sebastian's response.
By midmorning, Chairman Elias, Elena Maris, Clara, and several election officials gathered inside the campaign war room.
Nobody looked relaxed.
