Maya barely had time to process Olivia's words before chaos erupted inside the office.
Several managers suddenly walked onto the floor, their expressions tense.
Behind them was the company's security team.
The entire office went silent.
"What's going on?" someone whispered.
The department director stepped forward.
"Maya Thompson," he called.
Maya's heart skipped.
"Yes?"
"We need you to come with us."
The room filled with murmurs.
Maya frowned. "Why?"
The director looked uncomfortable.
"There has been a serious accusation against you."
Olivia stood behind him, pretending to look surprised.
"What accusation?" Maya demanded.
The director hesitated.
"Confidential financial documents were accessed and leaked from the company system last night."
Maya froze.
"That's impossible."
The director's voice hardened.
"The access came from your employee account."
The entire office gasped.
Maya felt the ground beneath her feet disappear.
"That's not true," she said quickly.
But the director already signaled security.
"Please escort her to the investigation room."
Two guards stepped forward.
Across the room, Olivia watched silently.
And then she smiled.
The investigation room was small and cold.
A single table sat under harsh white lights.
Maya sat in the chair, trying to calm her racing thoughts.
Someone had framed her.
And she knew exactly who.
The door opened.
Olivia walked in.
Alone.
She closed the door gently behind her.
"You're enjoying this," Maya said bitterly.
Olivia sat across from her.
"I warned you not to play games with me."
"You framed me."
Olivia shrugged.
"You framed yourself."
"That's a lie."
Olivia leaned forward.
"Your login accessed confidential files."
"Then someone used my account."
Olivia smiled slowly.
"But who would do that?"
Maya clenched her fists.
"You."
Olivia laughed softly.
"Accusations without proof are dangerous, Maya."
Maya's eyes burned with anger.
"What do you want?"
Olivia tilted her head.
"Simple."
"Resign."
Maya stared at her.
"If you resign quietly, this investigation disappears."
"And if I don't?"
Olivia's voice turned cold.
"Then you become the employee who attempted to steal company secrets."
Maya felt rage boiling inside her.
"You're afraid."
Olivia raised an eyebrow.
"Of what?"
"Of the truth."
For the first time, Olivia's expression darkened.
"You should have stayed quiet," she said softly.
"Now you'll lose everything."
Maya leaned forward.
"Maybe."
"But if I fall… I'll make sure you fall with me."
Olivia stood up.
"We'll see."
She walked to the door.
But before leaving, she turned back.
"Oh, and one more thing."
Her smile returned.
"Daniel already knows."
Maya's heart skipped.
"What do you mean?"
Olivia opened the door.
"He's the one who reported the leak."
And then she left.