Chapter 443

Calvin's tone spiked with intensity as he barked,"Natalie, what absurd claims are you making?"

Michael's face darkened instantly as the realization struck that Natalie had orchestrated this. He quelled his fury, masking it beneath a sorrowful guise of betrayal before his colleagues. Turning to the restless assembly, he urged, "Everyone, stay composed. Natalie may be holding prejudices and faulty impressions of me. Don't rely solely on her narrative!"

While speaking, Michael approached Natalie, bent slightly closer, and hissed with restrained rage,"Natalie, what's gotten into you? Why the sudden betrayal? Wanting a larger cut and more cash? Listen carefully-no matter how resentful you feel, you cannot blurt out reckless accusations here! If you dare spew nonsense again, not even a dime will go to you!"

Hannah locked on his venomous stare with a derisive curl of her lips. "Do you really believe I need that cash?"

A chill of foreboding gripped Michael. He recognized at once that this woman wasn't quibbling over payment; she was resolute about severing all ties.

Hannah pivoted away from him, sweeping her gaze across the hall. "They aren't alone in this! I hold a complete proof trail, including falsified contract replicas and the banking details used to channel dirty funds..."

"Shut up!" Mlichael cut her off, his tone carrying grim finality. "If that's how it is, I'm compelled to admit!"

"Michael?" Calvin shouted in disbelief, convinced Michael was on the verge of confessing.

Michael, however, raised a hand sharply, silencing Calvin. With a weighty look, he declared with calculated remorse, "I must confess, I neglected to keep strict oversight of my staff. I miscalculated their character! I had intended to shield Natalie from

embarrassment. The video in circulation is edited.Yes, I said words resembling those in a meeting. But the truth was: Ms. Victoria Hale made it clear-'we must enforce strict cost controI and ensure savings of at least $26 million!' But Natalie twisted that to depict me as pocketing bribes."

Pausing to let his words sink in, he added, "The true mastermind of the bribery plan is Natalie. She bluntly pushed the idea of dual contracts to skim profit during a meeting, which I rejected and criticized her for. She's probably harboring resentment and scheming to ruin me tonight. That so-called contract proof is most likely forged by her."

His eyes flared with wounded indignation."Considering her youth, I planned to discipline her privately after this celebration, giving her a chance to 'correct herself. But shockingly, she accused us first,trying to shift the blame onto us. I am devastated."

"Exactly!". Calvin promptly backed Michael. "Mr.Miller, everyone, you must see the truth! Natalie has long voiced grievances about the company and

constantly griped about her small salary! She's desperate for personal gain!"

Their allies immediately seized the moment and added their shouts in agreement.

"I've heard her rant too!"

"Not long ago, she suddenly received $30, 000 from unknown resources!"

Michael watched the uproar build, his unease easing slightly. He turned toward the wordless Adrian, who had been observing, and declared solemnly, "Mr.Miller, the evidence is plain. Natalie fabricated falsehoods, maligned her superiors, and schemed to misappropriate company property. Her behavior is gravely malignant. As her superior, I am profoundly disappointed and bear an undeniable responsibility!Therefore, I'hereby declare the immediate dismissal of Natalie, with no delay. The one-month review period I previously granted is annulled."

His final remark carried a mournful exhale, as though he were the greatest victim.

"She should've been removed ages ago; she never deserved another chance."

"This entire celebration has been spoiled by her; my mood is ruined. Please take her out."

Calvin's allies echoed the sentiment, while the rest of the staff, unaware of reality, remained stunned at the abrupt shift.

Michael curled his lips in hidden contempt.Regardless of Natalie's skill at acting, against an overwhelming crowd, she had no way to reverse it.

Michael gestured broadly, his tone glacial. "Guards,remove this troublesome liar from the celebration and from Luminara Group right away!"

Two towering guards advanced at once, moving toward Hannah.

Unafraid, Hannah calmly surveyed the gathering."You won't be rid of me."