Chapter 347: He's Not Stupid
Hayley’s POV
I kept my control over Hera, calmly observing Nina’s reaction. She glanced at Madeline, her eyes filled with silent pleas for help. Madeline shot me a look of pure hatred. She probably hadn’t expected everything to unravel so quickly and was likely worried that Nina might slip up and expose her role. So, she quickly interrupted.
“Nina, we’ve known each other for years. How could you deceive me like this? I’ve trusted you and introduced you to my friend. How could you do this?” Madeline said, her voice full of feigned hurt.
Nina looked shocked. “I didn’t! It’s you—”
“Enough!” Madeline cut her off sharply. She then turned to Tanner, offering a false apology. “I’m so sorry, Tanner. I didn’t think this through. I never expected to make such a mistake and cause you trouble.”
Madeline tried to leave with Nina, but Tanner wasn’t fooled. If he couldn’t see through such a simple situation, then he was no better than my Gamma subordinates, which was unthinkable for a high-ranking Beta.
“Ms. Kilmer,” Tanner addressed her, his tone polite but distant, “There’s something I need to point out.”
Madeline froze, clearly surprised. Before she could respond, Tanner continued, “My studio is equipped with hidden surveillance cameras. Everything in here is recorded, and finding the truth would be easy.”
I saw Madeline’s face immediately drain of color. She clenched her fists. Looking up at Tanner, she hesitated before saying, “I see.”
Tanner didn’t show any mercy. “So, I’m curious. How did this design draft get leaked? Why don’t we check the footage? Let’s uncover the truth together.”
Madeline faltered, her steps unsteady. “No… there’s no need.”
“But I’m still curious,” Tanner pressed. “It’s quite the coincidence that Hayley’s draft matches Nina’s exactly, and you two were the first to post it online.”
His words left no room for misunderstanding. Madeline couldn’t come up with any excuses.
I spoke up coldly, “So this is how low you’ve sunk—resorting to these disgusting tactics to get what you want. Madeline, I’m honestly ashamed of you. You used to be a respected Beta from a renowned enforcer family. How did you stoop so low and resort to such disgraceful behavior after being demoted for your mistakes?”
Madeline dropped her head in shame, still attempting to defend herself. “I—”
Before she could finish, Teri entered the room abruptly.
“Boss, Ms. Carson, I need to confess. I lied,” Teri’s voice shook as she bowed nervously before me and Tanner. I gave her a cold, piercing look.
Tears streamed down Teri’s face as she continued, “Ms. Carson, I wasn’t honest with you. Yesterday, when you asked me, I didn’t tell the truth. I did meet Ms. Kilmer, but she gave me a large sum of money to keep quiet. I’m so sorry.”
Her admission left no room for doubt about Madeline’s guilt. Madeline’s face contorted with fury, and she snapped at Teri, “You liar! How dare you spread such nonsense?”
But under the weight of Tanner’s and my piercing glares, Teri ignored her and pressed on with her apology. “Boss, please forgive me. I was greedy and took the money Ms. Kilmer offered, but I never expected her to steal Ms. Carson’s designs.”
Tanner didn’t even glance at her as he coldly ordered, “Pack up your belongings and leave. Now.”
“Boss, please! Give me another chance. I—” Teri fell to her knees, pleading desperately.
Tanner’s tone turned harsh and unyielding. “If you utter another word, I swear on the Moon Goddess that I’ll shift into my wolf form and tear you apart!”