PART 7:

“Scarlet.” Richard’s voice was cold. “We need to talk about your investigation into Mason Reed.” “There’s nothing to talk about. I’m following the evidence.” “The evidence was clear from the beginning.” Thomas crossed his arms. “You’re wasting time and resources on a case that’s already solved.” “The case isn’t solved.

Mason Reed was framed.” Patricia Chen raised an eyebrow. “That’s a serious accusation. Do you have proof?” “I’m gathering it.” “That’s not an answer.” Richard said. “Scarlet, the board authorized you to handle this crisis decisively.” “Instead, you’re second-guessing our collective judgment and pursuing conspiracy theories.

” “They’re not conspiracy theories. The forensic evidence shows” “The forensic evidence shows exactly” “exactly what we told the public it shows. Thomas stepped forward. Mason Reed’s credentials were used to steal company data. That’s a fact. Everything else is speculation. Scarlett looked at him carefully. His face was composed, confident.

But there was something in his eyes. A wariness that hadn’t been there before. He knew she was getting close to something. I’m not speculating, she said quietly. I’m investigating. And I’m going to follow that investigation wherever it leads. Even if it damages the company’s reputation? Patricia asked.

Even if it makes you look incompetent? You already made a public statement blaming Mason Reed. If you reverse that now, the media will tear us apart. They’ll tear us apart worse if we prosecute an innocent man. Richard’s jaw tightened. Scarlett, I’m going to say this once. Drop the investigation, move forward with the prosecution, protect this company and your position.

That’s an order. You don’t give me orders, Richard. I’m still the CEO. For now. Thomas’s voice was soft but sharp. But if you continue down this path, the board will have no choice but to question your judgment. And if your judgment is compromised, then what? You’ll vote me out? Scarlett felt something cold and clear settle over her.

Go ahead. Call the vote. But before you do, ask yourself why Thomas is so eager to close this case. Ask yourself who benefits if the truth stays buried. The room went very quiet. Thomas’s expression didn’t change, but Scarlett saw his shoulders tense. What are you implying? I’m not implying anything. I’m stating facts.

The forensic evidence shows Mason Reed was framed. Someone with high-level access altered the audit logs. And that same someone has been accessing confidential financial data for months. She paused. I’m sure it’s all just coincidence. Patricia and Richard exchanged glances. Thomas stayed very still. You’re playing a dangerous game, Thomas said softly.

I’m doing my job. Your job is to protect shareholder value. My job is to run this company with integrity. And if that means exposing corruption at the highest levels, she met his eyes. Then that’s what I’ll do. Thomas stared at her for a long moment. Then he turned and walked out without another word. Patricia followed, though she paused at the door.

Be careful, Scarlett, she said. You’re making powerful enemies. I’ve had powerful enemies since I started this company. Patricia almost smiled. Yes, but now they’re inside the building. She left, closing the door behind her. Richard stayed, his expression unreadable. You’re sure about this? he asked. About what? About burning everything down to prove you’re right.

Scarlett thought about Mason Reed’s face when he’d asked her why she cared. About his daughter finishing dinner on the other side of that closed door. About all the small lives that got crushed when people like her made decisions based on convenience instead of truth. I’m sure, she said. Richard nodded slowly.

Then I hope you know what you’re doing, because if you’re wrong, they’ll destroy you. And if you’re right, he paused. They’ll destroy you anyway. He walked out, leaving Scarlett alone in her office with the morning light slanting across her desk, and the weight of everything she just set in motion pressing down on her shoulders. She pulled out her phone and opened a new message to Mason Reed.

His number was in the employee database. Technically a violation to contact him since he was no longer employed, but she was already breaking so many rules that one more didn’t matter. She typed, I need to talk to you, please. Then she deleted it. She typed, You were right. I made a terrible mistake and I’m trying to fix it. Deleted that, too.

Finally, she just wrote, “Can we talk?” She hit send before she could overthink it, then sat there staring at her phone like it might explode. 3 minutes passed, 5, 10. The response came at the 15-minute mark. “Why?” Scarlett wrote back, “Because I think I know who really did this, but I need your help to prove it.

” Another long pause, then “I told you I’m done with Orion Global. I’m not asking as your employer. I’m asking as someone who destroyed your life and wants a chance to make it right.” The typing indicator appeared and disappeared three times. Scarlett watched it, her heart beating too fast. Finally, “Tomorrow.

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