Chapter 412

Leonard felt as though every ounce of energy had vanished. His knees buckled, and with a heavy crash,he sank into the sofa. His complexion drained of color, his lips quivered, and his frightened gaze locked on Calvin.

Calvin's expression hardened with blazing anger. He recognized that Leonard's end had come, and he needed to sever ties with Leonard instantly.

Facing Adrian, Calvin arranged his features into an appearance of "shock" and "grief." "Mr. Miller, this is simply outrageous-I knew nothing about it! Leonard,how could you dare commit such a thing behind my back? You... You've betrayed me utterly!"

He wasted no time shifting every ounce of blame onto Leonard.

"Mr. Briggs, you can't treat me this way!" Leonard's voice cracked with disbelief and anguish. "It was you who instructed me to-"

Before Leonard's words concluded, Calvin burst forth and silenced him. "Enough, Leonard! You caused this disaster, so you'll face the music alone! Stop fabricating lies!" His stare sharpened, layered with menace and warning.

Hannah observed Calvin's desperate attempt to cast off responsibility, a frosty curve lifting her mouth.Calvin still retained value, and she resolved not to cast him aside for the moment.

At the precise instant, she interjected with composure and quiet insight, "Mr. Briggs has set aside time to hear my report on the Warehouse No.3issues. I don't believe he shielded Mr. Yates-perhaps he was simply overwhelmed and neglected to address and submit it?"

Calvin seized the lifeline immediately, forcing a mask of "remorse" onto his face. "Yes, Natalie speaks truth! The department has been swamped with ceaseless duties recently, and in the confusion,I overlooked this case. Still, it was my negligence.I accept full responsibility."

Adrian studied Calvin's theatrics with icy detachment, seeing through them entirely. His tone dropped to a low, cutting register. "Mr. Briggs, your weak oversight and failure to detect and disclose grave risks constitute severe negligence. Three months' wages will be withheld! You are commanded to reorganize your section at once and scrutinize every similar situation. Should any further failings emerge, the punishment will be ruthless!"

Calvin exhaled soundlessly in relief.Forfeiting three months' wages stung, yet compared with exposure and downfall, the penalty was no more than a slap.He bent swiftly. "Yes, Mr. MAiller! I will reflect earnestly, correct without delay, and ensure it never repeats."

Adrian's gaze shifted toward Leonard, who slumped upon the sofa, his skin deathly pale. His eyes hardened like ice. "And you, Leonard Yates-abusing power and fabricating charges. You have gravely breached company rules, inflicting major losses and tarnishing its reputation. From this moment,you are terminated and barred from any rehiring. Any evidence of unlawful activity will be turned over to the courts for prosecution!"

Adrian then addressed Hannah, "From today forward,Natalie, you shall assume Leonard's role as supervisor. Administrative arrangements will be processed immediately."

Hannah responded with steady composure, "Thank you, Mr.Miller.I will not disappoint you."

Everything unfolded exactly as Hannah had planned.This promotion had been settled with Adrian the night before, designed to ensure Calvin would not get off too easily. Moreover, this appointment might even prompt Calvin to reach out to her. lf "cooperation" could be struck, the investigation would advance far more effectively.

Calvin's brow flickered; he had never expected this woman to be entrusted with such weight. His plans to install his own allies collapsed in an instant. Could Natalie be turned into an asset for him? "No! You can't do this to me!" Leonard wailed in despair. He suddenly hurled himself at Calvin. "Mr.Briggs, don't discard me like this! Save me-please!I've sacrificed so much for you..."

He clutched at Calvin like a drowning soul seizing a rope.

Calvin wrenched free, his eyes glinting with revulsion. "Leonard! You sealed your own ruin, and now bear it yourself! I cannot save you. Guards!Guards!"

The guards stationed outside stormed in immediately, gripping Leonard's arms. His body was slack as clay, tears and mucus running down his face.

"Remove him," Adrian commanded coldly.

"Natalie Preston, you witch! You framed me! You'll pay for this! Mark my words!" Leonard shrieked as he was dragged away.

As Leonard was hauled to the exit, Hannah's lipslifted in a meaningful curve. "Why get so worked up already? I arranged a little gift for you. By my calculation, it should be arriving now."

Leonard's curses ceased at once. His eyes widened with horror. He already knew she was capable of much worse. What further torment was she preparing for him?