Chapter 43: You Are Fired

Talia held the recorder pen and pressed the switch. The conversation between Nina and herself immediately began to play.

"Talia, I've transferred $250,000 to your account. I'll give you another $250,000 after that. You can use this money to treat your son, and the rest to raise him comfortably and healthily."

The voice was Nina's.

Talia's voice, though nervous, was also excited. "So much money What do you want me to do?"

"It's simple. Just replace some drawings in Annabel's office," Nina said.

"But if anyone finds out" Talia murmured hesitantly.

"Don't worry. Pretend you're cleaning when no one's around. No one will suspect you."

Nina chuckled. "Besides, you earn $3,000 a month as a cleaner. How many years would it take to earn $500,000? After this, you can resign, hide in the countryside, and find another job once things blow over. Isn't it a perfect plan?"

"Okay, I agree!" Talia said, seemingly convinced.

Nina was pleased. "Good! I'll tell you exactly what to do when the time comes. Remember, it's just between us. Don't tell anyone!"

"Don't worry. I won't," Talia promised.

The recording ended.

Annabel sneered at Nina. "Nina, what else do you want to say?"

"No, that's not me!" Nina shouted, her face pale and sweating profusely. She refused to admit it.

"Everyone here heard it. It's clearly your voice," Annabel retorted.

She turned on the computer and opened an email. "If you insist it wasn't you, I have other evidence."

She projected the email for everyone to see. "This is Talia's bank account record. My friend checked it. The money was transferred from a foreign account held by"

Annabel paused, looking directly at Nina. "your father, Bernie Jones."

Nina's eyes widened in disbelief. How had Annabel discovered her father's account? She'd been so careful!

"I have witness testimony and physical evidence. Nina, do you still think I'm falsely accusing you?" Annabel asked.

"No It's impossible," Nina stammered, unable to defend herself.

The truth was undeniable. Any defense would be futile. She was doomed.

Suddenly, Nina cried out, her eyes red. "Annabel, it's you! You bitch! It's all a trap!"

Annabel scoffed, grabbing Nina's hand before she could strike. "If you hadn't tried to frame me, I wouldn't have this evidence. You shot yourself in the foot!"

Rupert, who had been silent, spoke coldly. "Nina, why did you do this?" The room fell silent.

"Mr. Benton, I" Nina stammered, shivering under Rupert's cold gaze. It felt like falling into an icy lake.

Without waiting for an answer, Rupert declared, "Nina Jones, you're fired. Effective immediately, you're no longer employed by Benton Group."

"No, Mr. Benton! You can't fire me!" Nina shouted, losing her composure and lunging at him. "Rupert, I did all this because I love you! Don't you know? I've loved you since I started here!"

"Fuck off!" Rupert growled, pushing her away. She fell, hitting her head on the table and bleeding.

Nina looked up at the indifferent man. "But you never noticed me! No matter how hard I worked, you ignored me. I thought you were aloof to all women, that if I worked hard enough, you'd fall for me. But then Annabel arrived! You only pay attention to her. She's a country bumpkin! How could she be your fiancée? She doesn't deserve you! She's a bitch!"

Annabel rolled her eyes. She was only nominally engaged to Rupert. His true love was Candy. She hadn't expected Nina's intense feelings for Rupert, but Nina's jealousy had blinded her, causing her to frame Annabel and ultimately destroy her own future.

"Nina Jones, leave Benton Group within ten minutes. I never want to see you again!" Rupert ordered disgustedly.

"No, Rupert, please! I love you!" Nina pleaded.

Finley quickly pulled Nina to her feet and dragged her to the door. "Mr. Benton doesn't want to see you. Leave now!"

Watching Nina's tearful departure, Annabel frowned. It was a taste of her own medicine.

"That's all. I don't want this to happen again," Rupert warned, his sharp gaze sweeping the room. Everyone lowered their heads except Annabel.

Rupert paused at the door, turning back to Annabel. "Annabel, come to my office."