Chapter 16 - Trust Under Fire|
"That's impossible!" Hannah shouted, her voice trembling with shock. "I didn't touch the shipping manifests! I don't even have access to the international distribution system!"
"Your digital signature and password were used at 8:14 PM last night from your desk terminal," Marcus countered smugly, turning to the two board auditors. "While you were busy playing Cinderella at the gala, Miss Mercer, corporate assets were stolen under your name."
The office door swung open. Ethan stepped out, his face dark as a thundercloud.
"What is the meaning of this commotion, Marcus?" Ethan demanded.
"Your new coordinator has compromised our supply chain, Ethan," Marcus said smoothly, handing the red folder to the board members. "The evidence is absolute. Her login credentials were used to misroute the shipment. I am exercising my executive authority to suspend her immediately and file charges."
Ethan took the folder, scanning the printed server logs. His jaw tightened. He looked up at Hannah, whose eyes were brimming with desperate, terrified tears.
"Ethan, I swear to you on my daughter's life," Hannah pleaded, her voice shaking violently. "I didn't do this. I don't even know how to use that software!"
The board members looked at Ethan expectantly. "Ethan, company protocol requires immediate suspension when digital fraud occurs. You must escort her off the premises."
Ethan closed the folder with a sharp snap.
He looked at Marcus, then looked at Hannah. Four years ago, he would have retreated into cold compliance to avoid a public scene. But he remembered the girl in the gray uniform who had left a note offering her last dollar for a broken toy.
"Hannah stays," Ethan announced firmly.
May you like
Marcus blinked, stunned. "What? Ethan, the digital evidence—"
"The evidence shows a login from this terminal," Ethan said coldly. "It does not prove who pressed the keys. You have twenty-four hours to conduct a full forensic audit, Marcus. If you touch her desk before IT completes the trace, I will have you removed by city police."
