PART 13:

He was right. Without her position, without the authority of being CEO, what she’d just done was corporate espionage, the same crime she’d accused Mason of committing. I have evidence, she said. Evidence of your insider trading, your manipulation of company systems, everything. Evidence you obtained illegally.

It’ll never hold up in court. But it will destroy what’s left of your reputation. Leonard extended his hand. The laptop. Now. Scarlett looked at him. Really looked at him. This man who’d been there from the beginning, who’d believed in her when no one else would, who’d helped build everything she’d accomplished, and somewhere along the way he’d become exactly the kind of person she’d always sworn she’d never be.

Maybe they were alike. Maybe that was what scared her the most. “No,” she said. Leonard’s expression hardened. “Scarlett, don’t be stupid.” “I’m done being stupid. I was stupid when I trusted you. I was stupid when I threw Mason Reed to the wolves without asking questions. I was stupid every time I chose convenience over truth.

” She held the laptop against her chest. “But I’m not doing it anymore.” “You’ll lose everything.” “Maybe. But at least I’ll be able to look at myself in the mirror.” Leonard stared at her for a long moment. Then he pulled out his phone and made a call. “Security, this is Leonard Graves. I need you to send a team to sublevel three immediately.

I found an intruder in the restricted server room.” He paused, listening. “No, I’m fine, but bring restraints. They might be dangerous.” He hung up. “You’ve got maybe 3 minutes before they get here,” he said. “I suggest you use them to reconsider your position.” Scarlett’s mind raced. 3 minutes. She needed to get the files to Sarah Chen, needed to make sure the evidence survived even if she didn’t.

She pulled out her phone. “Don’t.” Leonard’s voice was sharp. “Put the phone down.” “Or what? You’ll stop me?” Scarlett started typing. “You’re not going to touch me, Leonard. You’re too smart for that. Assault charges would complicate your carefully constructed narrative.” She hit send, uploading the encrypted files to Sarah’s secure server.

The progress bar crawled across her screen. 50% 60% Leonard moved closer. “You really think this changes anything? Even if those files prove what you think they prove, you obtained them illegally. No prosecutor will touch them.” “Maybe not. But the board will see them. The investors will see them. The media will see them.” 75% 80 “You’ll destroy the company.

” “No, I’ll save it from you.” 90% The door burst open. Three security guards rushed in, hands on their weapons, looking confused about who they were supposed to be restraining. Sir? One of them looked between Leonard and Scarlett. Ms. Vaughn? 100% Upload complete. Scarlett lowered her phone. It’s okay. There’s been a misunderstanding. Ms.

Vaughn was found in a restricted area without proper authorization, Leonard said smoothly. I need you to escort her from the building. The guards looked even more confused. Sir, she’s the CEO. She has authorization for all areas. Not for unauthorized data access. Check the logs.

You’ll see she’s been copying confidential files. The lead guard pulled out his radio, speaking quietly into it. Scarlett stood there holding her laptop, her heart pounding so hard she could feel it in her throat. The guard listened to his radio, then looked at Scarlett with an expression she couldn’t read. Ms.

Vaughn, I’m going to need you to come with us. On what grounds? We need to verify Mr. Graves’ report. It’s just protocol. Scarlett looked at Leonard. He smiled. Of course it is, she said. Lead the way. They escorted her to the elevator, one guard in front, two behind. Leonard walked alongside them, his expression sympathetic. I’m sorry about this, Scarlett.

I’m sure it’s all just a misunderstanding. We’ll have it sorted out by morning. She didn’t answer. The elevator climbed toward the main floor, and Scarlett watched the numbers tick past while her mind worked through possibilities. The files were uploaded. Sarah had them. Even if Leonard managed to confiscate her laptop, even if he somehow convinced security to hold her overnight, the evidence existed beyond his reach now.

The elevator doors opened on the ground floor. The lobby was mostly empty, just the night desk staff and a handful of late workers heading home. And Mason Reed standing near the entrance wearing the same canvas jacket from the diner, Scarlett stopped. The guard stopped. Leonard stopped. Mason walked toward them, his eyes moving from Scarlett to the security team to Leonard.

“What’s going on?” he asked. “This is a company matter, Mr. Reed,” Leonard said coldly. “You’re no longer employed here. I suggest you leave before I have security remove you as well. I came to pick up my final paycheck. Saw the commotion, thought I’d see what was happening.” Mason’s gaze settled on Scarlett.

“You okay?” She wanted to scream that no, she wasn’t okay, that Leonard had caught her and the whole plan was falling apart, and she’d probably just ended her career for nothing. But instead, she just nodded. “I’m fine.” “She’s being detained for questioning regarding unauthorized system access,” one of the guards explained.

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