Chapter 3

The voice on the other end was aged, and mostly puzzled.

"Didn't we succeed?"

After a few seconds of silence, I answered with a sigh.

"Someone wants to discard the tool once the work is done. So we'll give him exactly what he wants."

The call ended, and I began packing my things.

A dozen minutes later, Rachel pushed the door open without asking.

"Well, well. Planning to run off early?"

I looked up at her, then sat back down.

"Good timing. There are a few things I need to hand over."

Rachel dropped onto the couch and sprawled back against the cushions.

"Hand over what? You think you're still Director of R&D? Take a look at the company notice."

"Mr. Donaldson has already given the order. You're formally removed as Director of R&D."

"If I were you, I'd start thinking about whether I'm about to be facing prison time."

I heard it all without a flicker of expression, pulled out a stack of documents, and threw them straight in her face.

"This is everything you've done since you joined R&D."

Rachel didn't even glance at it. Cornered, she started cursing.

"Who do you think you are?"

"The backend work logs show you went to a lot of places you had no business going."

I didn't take up her words. I picked up a plain cardboard box and walked to the door.

"When you were hired, you signed a confidentiality agreement. I trust you haven't forgotten that."

"And if you have, it's simple. Just face it bravely when they come to hold you accountable."

I'd taken only a few steps out of the office when I stopped.

Donaldson and everyone in the company were watching me, and behind him stood two law-enforcement officers.

"Edith Simmons, some things are better cleared up."

Nigel Donaldson spread his hands, feigning helplessness.

"By the company's charter, your conduct has broken the law, so don't blame me."

When he finished, the two officers stepped forward.

"Ms. Simmons, we need your cooperation with an investigation."

I gave a short laugh. I hadn't expected them to be this ruthless.

"I don't really see the need. When I was hired, Mr. Lawrence himself said that without Director Simmons, there'd be no Tenglong today."

"You actually believe that? My guess is either Director Simmons has some backing—"

The crowd broke into murmurs. There were a few who wanted to speak up for me, but their voices were buried under a louder one.

"She's not Director Simmons!"

Rachel's shrill voice cut in from behind me.

"Everyone, check your work inbox. The company has already removed her!"

"As of now, she is a criminal suspect."

Seeing me stay silent, the two officers frowned, and Nigel Donaldson hurried forward to smooth things over.

"If you don't mind, you're welcome to question her here at the company."

"That won't be necessary."

I had no intention of accepting his kindness.

"I'll just go with them."

The two officers nodded and led the way. I followed behind, listening to the jeering swell louder.

Or maybe I should call it humiliation.

"Everyone, take a good look. This is what happens to people who harm the company's interests!"

Rachel was gloating, strutting like a rooster after a won fight.

"From this day on, let this be a lesson to all of you!"

Where she couldn't see, Nigel Donaldson frowned, took out his phone, and sent off a text.

"Everyone, quiet down. Don't let today's events go beyond these walls. Wait for the officers' findings."

Once the crowd settled, Nigel Donaldson jogged out after us.

"Officers, please, wait a moment."

The two officers stopped, and I stood where I was, curious what trick he'd try next.

"When the results of the investigation come out, could you tip us off first? After all, Tenglong Group is a publicly listed company."