Chapter 421

Every head turned instantly toward the elevator doors.

Adrian advanced with long strides, his features dark, exuding an aura of dominance.

Hannah's gaze flickered with astonishment when she noticed him.

Adrian's assistant had spotted Hannah cornered on the surveillance feed and, aware of Adrian's fierce protectiveness toward her, had reported it at once.

Adrian had been drowning in files inside his office when he received word that Hannah faced trouble, and his chest clenched. He'd abandoned his work instantly and hurried toward the lobby with all possible speed.

On arrival, Adrian's eyes swept over the assembly before resting on Hannah. He lengthened his stride toward her, yet before words could leave his mouth, Colleen stepped forth with fists tight.

Colleen's expression twisted with a deluded conviction as she raised her voice, sharp with rage. "Mr. Miller!Someone is misusing authority to pursue an improper relationship at the company, tarnishing its image!What action must be taken?"

Adrian halted, shifting his stare slowly toward Colleen, icy and piercing. His eyes narrowed faintly as he asked in a quiet, commanding tone, "Whom are you accusing?"

Colleen quivered beneath the weight of his gaze but forced herself onward, pointing at Natalie. "Ms.Preston! She and Mr. Briggs are entangled-they vanish into the office for hours! Many of us have witnessed it! This is unacceptable! This disgrace must not continue! Punishment is necessary!"

Colleen's confidence surged in her certainty of triumph. Adrian, so influential, would never allow such disgrace. Leonard had already lost his post for misconduct, and though Natalie had talent, she was only a supervisor-surely she would be penalized. Calvin, too, would not escape trouble this time either.

Colleen even convinced herself that Leonard had been dismissed for uncovering Natalie and Calvin's affair.

Hannah regarded Colleen's reckless, self-sabotaging outburst, cold amusement flashing inwardly. What idiocy.

Adrian heard Colleen's claims in silence, his face unreadable. He did notanswer immediately, instead directing his gaze toward Hannah, steady yet marked with unspoken inquiry and respect.

Hannah inclined her head slightly. Her eyes passed over Esme and the others, whose complexions had drained, before she spoke with measured composure. "Mr. Miller, what do company rules declare about rumor-mongering, defaming coworkers, and damaging corporate reputation?"

Adrian's tone was deep and authoritative. "Suspension until review. Serious breaches result in dismissal."

The pronouncement sent chills through the group. Many looked ghostly white.

Hannah's eyes returned to Colleen. "Did you hear that? Do you still wish to continue?"

Colleen's hand shook as she jabbed toward Hannah, her voice shrill and hysterical. "You-you're intimidating me? You think you can sway Mr. Miller? Mr. Miller! Don't be fooled by her!"

"Enough!" Adrian's command lashed out like steel.′′Are you responsible for spreading this tale, deliberately slandering Ms. Preston?"

"I-I didn't, Mr. Miller! I swear I didn't!" Colleen cried desperately, her tone breaking into sobs. "Everything I.said is the truth! You must believe me!"

She whirled toward the others in the lobby, screaming wildly, attempting to pull them into her storm, "Speak!Weren't you whispering just now? Speak up! Tell Mr. Miller! Didn't you see it too? Didn't you hear it? Say something!"

Yet,the few bystanders kept their heads lowered, frozen with dread, scarcely daring to breathe. How could they possibly respond?

Hannah tore her gaze from them and fixed it back on Adrian, her tone even and resolute. "Mr. Miller, enforce the regulations. Suspend or dismiss as appropriate."

"Understood." Adrian's reply was quick and firm. He lifted his hand, and his assistant immediately advanced, naming Colleen and several other agitators formally."The resolution will be delivered within twenty-four hours. Please vacate the building immediately and await notice at home."

Colleen collapsed, crushed, sobbing in defeat. Esme and the others also broke down, weeping and pleading in vain.

Adrian shifted toward Natalie, the frost on his expression easing into genuine concern and regard, his voice hushed. "Ms. Hale, has everything with Calvin been progressing well?"

Hannah's voice was low and composed. "His trust is with me now." Her eyes flicked toward the rain lashing against the glass. "All matters here are concluded. You can return."

Adrian quickly offered, "The rain's fierce-I can drive you-"

"No need. I've already arranged a ride." Hannah checked her phone screen. The driver has arrived.

She unfurled a plain long-handled umbrella, pushed the door open, and moved straight toward the cab stationed at the roadside.

Without warning, a figure surged forward and seized Hannah's wrist. It was Vincent. He called out instinctively,"Hannah!"