The next morning, Maya received an email that made her heart skip.
It came from the company's internal investigation team.
Subject: Final Review Meeting
Her hands tightened around her phone.
This was it.
The meeting that could decide whether she kept her job—or lost everything.
But something about the message felt strange.
The meeting was scheduled for late evening.
Most investigations were done during working hours.
Why so late?
Maya frowned.
Her instincts told her something wasn't right.
She forwarded the message to Ethan.
Within minutes he replied.
"This feels like a setup."
Maya agreed.
Olivia had already shown she was willing to manipulate situations to her advantage.
But Maya had no choice.
If she didn't attend the meeting, it would look like she was avoiding the investigation.
That would only make things worse.
So she prepared herself.
If Olivia was planning another trap…
Maya would be ready.
That evening, the company building was unusually quiet.
Most employees had already gone home.
The hallways felt empty and echoing.
Maya walked slowly toward the conference room mentioned in the email.
Her footsteps sounded louder than usual.
When she reached the door, she paused.
Then she pushed it open.
The room was dark.
Empty.
No investigators.
No managers.
No meeting.
Maya's stomach tightened.
"It's a trap," she whispered.
Just as she turned to leave, the lights suddenly turned on.
A slow clap echoed across the room.
Olivia stood near the window.
Smiling.
"I was wondering if you would actually come."
Maya's eyes narrowed.
"You sent the email."
Olivia shrugged.
"Technically, yes."
"You forged an investigation notice."
Olivia walked closer.
"Oh Maya… rules are flexible for people with power."
Maya crossed her arms.
"What do you want?"
Olivia stopped a few steps away.
"To offer you one final chance."
"Another resignation deal?"
Olivia smiled slightly.
"Not exactly."
She leaned closer.
"Leave the city."
Maya blinked.
"What?"
"Transfer to another company. Another industry. Anywhere."
"And if I refuse?"
Olivia's voice turned colder.
"Then I destroy you completely."
Maya stared at her.
"You're that afraid of me?"
Olivia laughed.
"Afraid?"
"No."
Her smile faded.
"I just don't like unfinished problems."