Chapter 404

Hannah's handset vibrated with an incoming alert from Finance.

The tone across the line was edged, carrying accusation. "Ms. Preston, the invoices you turned in raise serious concerns. They appear to involve fraudulent reimbursements. Report to Finance without delay."

Hannah's expression tightened. She had never filed any invoices.

Throughout the workplace, hushed comments spread instantly, like spectators primed for a spectacle.

"Forged invoices? All for a bit of extra money?"

"Stooping to that low? Didn't see that coming..."

"First confidential files, now false invoices-quite the

streak."

Marissa materialized with uncanny timing, her features arranged in feigned sympathy. "Natalie, did you perhaps grab the wrong invoice by mistake?Younger staff should stay grounded, not pursue shortcuts. Just confess to Finance, return the money,and prevent this from wrecking your probation performance."

Hannah ignored Marissa, turning to set off to Finance -only to be blocked by two men. Both wore badges from Luminara Group's Security Department.

The one in front held up his badge, his delivery measured. "Natalie Preston, we represent Security.In connection with a suspected breach tied to company project material, your compliance is required. Provide your laptop and phone at once."

The entire workplace froze into silence.

Hannah adjusted her glasses and met his gaze squarely. "I'll comply," she replied steadily. "But explain-what exactly is the extent of this

investigation? And what grounds justify the search of my laptop and phone?"

The investigator's brows twitched, caught off guard by resistance from a junior employee. Nonetheless,he recited the scripted rationale. "Core project specifications from our company appeared within a rival's latest launch. Senior executives are incensed.Preliminary logs indicate irregular entries from your account at the critical time. Questionable data may exist on your hardware. We must secure your devices for forensic review."

"Irregular entries? Questionable data?" Hannah repeated, her voice like steel. "Has Security confirmed the authenticity of those logs? Ruled out the possibility of tampering or false flags? And regarding the alleged questionable files, what proof shows they were accessed or downloaded by me personally?"

Her challenge cut straight to the key questions. For an instant, the investigator faltered. The truth was,their conclusions were based only on preliminary

leads. "These issues will be clarified through further analysis," he shot back, forcing authority into his voice. "Surrender the devices, or escalation will follow."

"Compliance isn't something I am unwilling to offer,"Hannah said, her tone still calm. "However,according to company policy, I'm entitled to observe the sealing of my property, record device identifiers, current state, and precise seizure time. I also demand a written Notice of Investigation, detailing the charges and the stated rationale."

Her phrasing was exact, citing policy line by line. Her stance remained composed, resolute, immovable.

The investigator's expression tightened. He hadn't anticipated such mastery of company policy from a supposed novice-or such fearlessness.

At that moment, Leonard surged forward, stabbing a finger in her direction. "Natalie! Watch your tone!Who do you think you are, haggling with Security?Hand your devices over immediately!"

Hannah granted him only a frosty glance before dismissing him entirely, her focus unwavering on the investigator. "Due process underpins every investigation. If Security disregards its own protocols, how can the investigation results be trusted-or deemed impartial?"

The atmosphere held taut. The investigator hesitated and then signaled to his colleague.

The colleague departed briefly and returned carrying a stamped,formal Notice of Investigation.

Hannah read it thoroughly and then smoothly activated her phone's camera. "According to company policy, I will cooperate fuly," she stated."But I also retain the right to document the sealing of my property."

She angled the lens toward Security."Proceed."

Her demeanor stayed impeccable-professional,precise,impossible to fault.

Step by step, the process unfolded under her

surveillance-equipment bagged, seals attached,documentation signed. Every procedure followed protocol without exception.

The investigators had no option but to comply,irritation flickering beneath the surface while the recording captured all.

Off to the side, Leonard burned with rage at her defiance. He advanced, his voice lowering into a counterfeit note of concern. "Natalie, hear me out. If you resign quietly, before this snowballs, I'll put in a favorable word with Mr. Briggs. You'll still retain some reputation. Otherwise..."

His tone hardened, twisting into an open threat."When Security uncovers firm proof, this becomes espionage. No employer will ever touch you again.You could face prison. And at that point-nothing will protect you. Your future is destroyed."

Hannah fixed her glacial stare on him, her words slicing like a blade. "Mr. Yates,you seem remarkably quick to declare me guilty of espionage. Is this a verdict before any trial or perhaps a reflection of your