Chapter 417

"Real money?" Hannah's features flickered with measured bewilderment, as if Calvin's remark hadn't fully registered. "Mr. Briggs, I don't follow your point."

A cold spark crossed Calvin's gaze. He chose to drop any pretense and get straight to the point."What I'm saying is, join us in taking kickbacks and earning real cash! This new project-the Stellink Plan-is a goldmine." His voice dropped to a whisper, eyes locked on her."Do it properly, and it's effortless profit.At least,this much."

He gestured with two fingers, signaling a large sum.

A shiver slid down Hannah's chest. Just as she had suspected, Calvin was attempting to pull her into siphoning money from the project.

Hannah masked her thoughts with a calculated expression change, her eyes flashing just the right mix of shock and fear. "Mr. Briggs, how could you even raise such an idea? I...I'm scared!"

She leaned back faintly, acting unsettled, her tone sharp with apparent unease. "Are you certain we won't get caught? What if the higher-ups look into it? By then, we'll be ruined!"

"What's there to be afraid of?" Calvin brushed her concern aside with a wave, conceit carved across his face. Leaning in with calm confidence, he lowered his tone. "Honestly, we've got a shield in the higher-up,and I know all the angles. As long as we stand together, nothing will collapse. So, what do you say,Natalie?Are you with us? Join us, and you'll get your share."

Calvin's eyes stayed pinned to her, waiting for her reply. If she agreed, he would gain a strong accomplice.If she declined, he wouldn't hesitate to silence her.

Hannah's face shifted again, as if drawn between temptation and fear. She stayed silent for a few breaths and then gradually tilted her head up, eyes narrowing with quiet resolve. "Mr. Briggs, are you truly confident no trace will ever surface?"

She hadn't pledged herself outright. She was probing, fishing for the identity of their backer.

Believing her "uncertainty," Calvin brightened. He struck his chest with assertiveness. "Don't worry! It's airtight-cook the books, grease the right palms, and it'll go off without a hitch!"

Hannah exhaled deeply, as though sealing a grave choice. "Mr. Briggs, I'll be counting on you from now on."

"Excellent!" Calvin burst into laughter, tipping back his glass until it was empty. "Natalie, from today, we're in the same boat!"

Hannah lifted her own glass and sipped with measured calm. She had them all in her sights.

That afternoon, Derek strode through the Luminara Group's lobby, a sealed envelope gripped tightly. He was delivering a critical addendum for a collaboration,requiring Luminara Group's legal division to endorse.

Exiting the elevator, Derek caught sight of a woman behind black-rimmed spectacles. She looked strikingly like Hannah!

If he hadn't been aware that Vincent was dining at the Jones estate with Sharon and the real Hannah,he might have believed this woman was Hannah. But no-she was the imposter. The resemblance was uncanny.

Once his errand was complete, Derek hesitated and then sought an old acquaintance in Luminara Group's HR section. After casual greetings, he went straight to the point, producing Hannah's photo. "Does this woman work here? How long has she been with your company?"

The acquaintance frowned briefly and then answered quickly, "Oh? You're referring to Natalie Preston, the supervisor of the Data Analytics Department? She's remarkable! Barely a month in, and she's already forced the prior supervisor out! Now, the whole department looks up to her. Why, Derek? Do you know her?"

In that flash, Derek understood-the imposter Vincent had asked him to investigate was named Natalie Preston. She hadn't vanished at all-she had risen to become a supervisor at the Luminara Group.

Derek's heartbeat surged. With trembling hands, he drew out his phone and dialed Vincent's number.

The line connected almost instantly. "Mr. Jones!" Derek's voice quivered with barely controlled astonishment. Dropping low,he rushed on."I found Ms. Scott's imposter at Luminara Group! Her name is Natalie Preston!"

On the other end, Vincent's tone stiffened in disbelief. "She's employed at Luminara Group now?"

"Yes, Mr. Jones-without question," Derek replied. "She's the present supervisor of their Data Analytics Department!"

A brief silence-then Vincent's words cut through. "I'm heading there immediately!"

Derek grasped that Vincent intended to confirm it himself. Glancing at the envelope still in his grip, he quickly added, "But Mr. Jones, the document's already been signed!"

"Invent a reason. Delay them!" Vincent's tone brooked no resistance.

"Understood!" Derek answered at once.