The words echoed in Maya's mind.
Daniel reported the leak.
It couldn't be true.
Daniel had been helping her.
He had been part of the plan.
Hadn't he?
The door opened again.
And this time…
Daniel walked in.
Maya stood immediately.
"Tell me she's lying."
Daniel looked exhausted.
"Maya…"
"Tell me!"
He looked down.
"I had no choice."
Maya felt her chest tighten.
"You betrayed me?"
"It's not like that."
"Then explain!"
Daniel ran his hands through his hair.
"Olivia forced me."
Maya laughed bitterly.
"Of course she did."
"She threatened to expose Ethan."
Maya froze.
"What?"
Daniel continued.
"She said Ethan broke company laws when he accessed those files years ago."
Maya slowly sat down.
Everything was collapsing again.
"So you chose to protect him," she said quietly.
"I was trying to protect everyone."
"But you destroyed me."
Daniel looked pained.
"I'll fix it."
Maya shook her head.
"No."
Her voice became cold.
"You've already chosen your side."
Daniel looked desperate.
"Maya, please—"
But Maya stood up.
"I trusted you."
Her eyes filled with tears she refused to let fall.
"But I won't make that mistake again."