Chapter 39 39 Chapter 39 - Trust Shattered Monica's POV The office had been quiet for two hours after Morris's departure. When he finally returned, his face was contorted with rage, as if he'd witnessed something horrifying. He stormed past my desk without a glance, then suddenly spun around. "In my office. Now, Monica!" His voice was like ice, sending shivers down my spine. Darren and Paula trailed behind him, their expressions tense as they whispered pleas for him to calm down. Morris ignored them completely, disappearing into his office with thunderous steps. Confused and anxious, Prose from my desk and followed them inside, my heart hammering against my ribs as Darren closed the door behind us. Morris's piercing gaze landed on me with such fury that I froze in place. His voice exploded in the confined space. -"How could you do this to me, Monica? You walked into this company like some innocent lamb, but you're nothing but a wolf in disguise! You've betrayed my trust in the most despicable way cracked slightly, "-you're the possible. After everything that happened between us-" his. biggest disappointment of my life!" Tears immediately welled in my eyes, my throat constricting painfully. "Morris, what are you talking about? I don't understand what's happening "Drop the innocent act! It won't work anymore!" He paced frantically, dragging both hands through his hair in frustration. "You know exactly what you did. I want yo out of my company and out of my life right now! And consider yourself fortunate-the only reason you're not leaving in handcuffs is because I feel sorry for your son!" Handcuffs? My mind spun wildly, unable to comprehend his accusations. My body began to tremble uncontrollably as he continued his tirade. "Get out now! Out of my company!" His fist slammed against the desk with such force that papers scattered. "I guarantee you won't work in this city again unless it's cleaning sewers, where rats like you belong! You're despicable! I regret the day I ever hired you! OUT!" I felt gentle hands on my shoulders, guiding my frozen body toward the door. I couldn't move of my own accord my eyes burned with unshed tears, my chest constricted with in so intense 1 could barely breathe. Paula grabbed my purse and led me to Darren's office. They sat me down, their faces grave as they prepared to explain.. "Monica," Darren began, his professional demeanor firmly in place, "remember when I called Morris on Saturday about our suspicions of an information leak?" 39 Chapter 39- Trust Shattered I nodded weakly. "Yes, you said you'd investigate thoroughly. Did you find the culprit? What does any of this have to do with me?" "Monica," Paula said gently, "the tech team found two emails sent from your computer. They were deleted afterward, but our security specialists recovered them." My head snapped up. "What emails? I never sent anything suspicious!" Darren silently handed me two printed sheets. The first was dated from the previous Thursday: From: Monica Hayes. To: [email protected] Subject: Warning Sir, The board had a closed-door meeting. They're suspicious. Take necessary measures. Monica Hayes CEO's Assistant Group Lorenzo The second email, dated from that very morning, made my stomach turn: From: Monica Hayes To: [email protected] Subject: Plan working Sir, Everything's going as planned. That idiot Morris is falling for my charms and eating out of my hand. Monica Hayes CEO's Assistant Group Lorenzo I stared at the papers in disbelief, my hands shaking violently. "Darren, I swear I never sent these! I would never betray Morris-not professionally, not personally." Tears streamed down my face. "Someone must have accessed my computer. Please, you have to investigate further!" Paula placed a supportive hand on my back. "Darren, I'm certain Monica is innocent. When I hired her, I personally verified her references with the Carson-she's completely trustworthy. Even Almeida has praised her work ethic. Monica simply wouldn't do this." C 39 Chapter 39- Trust Shattered Darren sighed heavily. "Paula, I don't know what to think. Monica is the newest employee here- everyone else has been with us for a decade or more. Yet the fraud we're investigating has been ongoing for years. He rubbed his temples. "Try to understand, Morris feels deeply betrayed- he's not thinking clearly right now." "But he didn't even give me a chance!" I cried, my sadness morphing into indignation. "He condemned me without a proper investigation. How could he treat me with such hatred after everything?" "Monica, Darren said gently, "please try to understand my friend's position. The executive floor is now restricted-only approved personnel can access it. You're the only new staff member here. It's difficult to explain how a long-term employee would suddenly turn traitor." Something hardened inside me. I wiped my tears with the back of my hand, handed my company phone and badge to Paula, and grabbed my purse. Standing tall despite my inner turmoil, I fixed Darren with an icy stare. "Of course, it's easier to accuse than investigate. Easier to blame the newcomer than accept that you've all been fooled by the real culprit for years. My voice was dangerously calm. "Fine, Darren. I'm leaving immediately-you won't see me again. I just hope when you finally realize this injustice, the real traitor hasn't already destroyed everything you've built." I turned to leave but paused halfway to the door. Looking back with bitter sarcasm, I asked, "Would you like to search me, Mr. Torres? To ensure I'm not stealing company property?" Darren flushed with embarrassment. "Monica, please don't take it this way..." He faltered under my unwavering gaze. "No, Monica. Go home. We'll send your final payment and documents later." "I want nothing from this company except my employment record cleared so I can find another job-even if it's in the sewers, as your friend so cloquently suggested." With that parting shot, I walked out with as much dignity as I could muster. Outside Darren's office, Irina approached me eagerly. "Monica, what happened? Her eyes gleamed with barely concealed curiosity. I regarded her coldly, suspicion suddenly blooming in my mind. Without answering, I turned away and pressed the elevator button. When the doors opened, she moved to enter with me, but I raised my hand sharply.. "Stay there," I commanded, stepping inside alone. Downstairs, I explained my situation to the security guard, who allowed me to exit without my badge. On the street, I hailed the first taxi I saw and gave my address in a voice that threatened to crack. Only when I reached the sanctuary of my bedroom did I finally surrender to the pain. I collapsed my bed, my body wracked with sobs that seemed endless. 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