Two days later, Maya received a message from an unknown number.
"If you want access to the executive database… meet me tonight."
Her heart skipped.
She read the message three times.
No name.
No explanation.
Just an address.
Maya immediately called Ethan.
"This could be a trap," he warned.
"It could also be our chance," Maya replied.
After a long pause, Ethan sighed.
"Alright. But we're going together."
The meeting location was a quiet bar across town.
Dim lights filled the room, and soft music played in the background.
Most customers were busy with their own conversations.
Maya scanned the room carefully.
Then someone waved from a corner table.
A young woman sat there, wearing a company ID badge.
Maya recognized her immediately.
"Claire?" Maya said.
Claire worked in the IT department.
She handled database systems.
Claire gestured for them to sit.
"You came," she said quietly.
Maya studied her carefully.
"Why did you contact me?"
Claire looked around nervously before answering.
"Because I know Olivia framed you."
Maya felt her pulse quicken.
"How?"
Claire lowered her voice.
"I manage the security logs."
Ethan leaned forward.
"You saw something."
Claire nodded.
"The night the confidential files were leaked… someone used your login credentials."
"We know that," Maya said.
"But here's the part you don't know," Claire continued.
"That login came from Olivia's office computer."
Maya froze.
Ethan's eyes widened.
"You're sure?" he asked.
"I checked three times," Claire replied.
"Why didn't you report it?"
Claire laughed bitterly.
"Because Olivia's father runs the company."
Maya understood immediately.
Claire would have been fired—or worse.
But if Claire had that information…
Then Olivia's entire accusation against Maya could collapse.
Claire leaned closer.
"And that's not the only thing I found."
Maya's heart began racing again.
"What else?"
Claire took a deep breath.
"I can access the executive financial database."
The words hung in the air.
Ethan slowly smiled.
"Well," he said.
"Looks like the empire finally has a crack."