Chapter 409

Leonard and Marissa lingered behind a tall potted plant, their backs to Hannah, whispering in low voices.

Instinctively, Hannah slipped into the shadow of a nearby column, holding her breath.

Leonard was clearly drunk; his face was flushed,and his steps unsteady.

Marissa clung to him, one hand propping him up, the other resting far too comfortably on his waist. She leaned in close, her body almost draped over him.

A cold smile tugged at Hannah's lips as she watched.If she recalled correctly, Leonard had a wife. So this was the root of Marissa's arrogance at the office-an affair with her superior.

Without hesitation, Hannah drew out her phone and snapped a picture. Sliding her phone back into her pocket, she eased a few steps away and quickly made for the elevators by another path.

The next morning, Hannah arrived at the office earlier than usual.

She had barely settled at her desk when two security investigators strode in, faces grim. One of them spoke in a formal tone. "Natalie Preston, following preliminary investigation, irregularities have been detected in your access to core project data.Confidential files were found on your computer,raising strong suspicions of a data breach. Effective immediately, your access is suspended, and you are required to cooperate with further inquiry."

Gasps rippled across the office.

"Natalie! Do you have anything to say for yourself?"Marissa was the first to pounce. She jabbed a finger at Hannah, her voice shrill. "The evidence is right there! You're a traitor-a corporate spy!"

"Yeah! You've disgraced our department!" chimed in

several of Marissa and Leonard's loyal hangers-on,eager to strike while Hannah was already reeling.

Leonard swaggered forward, pulling a document from his pocket and slamming it onto Natalie's desk with deliberate force. It was a Notice of Termination.

"Natalie, you're suspected of serious misconduct-leaking company secrets and causing the firm heavy losses." Leonard's voice boomed. "After departmental review and senior approval, your contract is terminated effective immediately. Pack your things and leave at once. The legal and security teams will pursue the matter further."

Leonard's eyes gleamed with triumph. "The evidence is conclusive. Like it or not,you're finished here."

All eyes turned to Hannah, waiting for her to crumble,plead, or lash out. Instead, she glanced at the document with cool indifference. "The security department hasn't even issued its final report. And yet you're eager to pass judgment on suspicion alone?" One of the security investigators frowned slightly before saying, "The final conclusion does require further investigation. But so far, the evidence is highly unfavorable to you."

"So in other words, nothing's been proven yet."Hannah's gaze cut sharply to Leonard. "Mr. Yates,why the rush? Afraid a deeper investigation might expose something else?"

Leonard faltered under her stare, his chest tightening. He raised his voice to mask it. "Nonsense!The proof is right there! Security-what are you waiting for?"

The two guards stepped closer to Hannah's desk.

"Remove this traitor from the premises!" Leonard barked, his voice cracking.

The guards loomed over her, but Hannah didn't move. Her eyes locked on Leonard's reddened face."Are you certain you want me gone?"

"Certain? There's no doubt!" Leonard sneered. "Do you think someone's coming to rescue you? Dream on! You're finished. Get out!"

"Fine." Her lips curved into a sharper smile. She didn't pack a single item. Picking up the notice, she rose and walked out between the guards.

A glance at her watch told her the timing was perfect.

At that very moment, Adrian's assistant rushed in from the data department. His voice carried across the office."Leonard Yates. Natalie Preston. Mr. Miller wants to see you in his office-now."