Chapter Two: An Eighteen-Hour Chain of Evidence

Source code could be copied, but builds retained environmental fingerprints. In a hidden directory, a cache identified the compiler as Hanhai's custom `HHCC 6.4.1`. On August 19, however, the company was still using 6.3.8. Version 6.4.1 did not deploy until September 2. A file supposedly created in August carried the fingerprint of a compiler that did not exist until September. The notary sat straighter. Su did not smile. “It proves the timestamp was altered, not who altered it.” Chen nodded. The first link was secure. He still needed an actor, a delivery path, and a motive. Silver text flashed. [TIME REMAINING: 10:41:06.] [HINT CREDITS: 1. USE NOW?] No, Chen answered silently.