Chapter 144
Marc frantically tried to mediate, desperation lacing his voice. "Mr. Lloyd, please, let me explain. I didn't mean to spread any rumors, and Ms. Clarke is not that kind of person. We just thought… maybe she was pulling a harmless prank."
But Kellan's intimidating presence cut him short. "Who do you think you're fooling?" Kellan's voice was sharp, dripping with contempt. "Your little tricks are transparent! You're a mediocre worker, but a pro at backstabbing your colleagues. There's been word you were stirring up trouble at the recent inter-company conference. I have no patience for rats in my company. Call HR. Fire him now!"
Marc's face paled. He never imagined a few ill-chosen words could cost him his job so instantly. Allison sneered. She and Kellan had a knack for sizing people up. Blunt fools were easily dismissed, but those who hid their malice behind a sweet facade—those were the worst. Marc, in some ways, was no different than Melany; both hid behind others, pretending virtue while manipulating from the shadows.
"Last night, Ms. Clarke left work with me," he protested. "So, if you're accusing her, you're accusing both of us of theft. Is that what you're suggesting?"
Kellan's challenge hung heavy in the silent room. Despite the lack of concrete proof, even with Allison being the prime suspect, he wouldn't let her be unjustly implicated. His eyes hardened, silencing the room. Marc panicked internally, the weight of his dismissal crushing him. There was no turning back. Desperate, he made a foolish decision—he'd seek refuge with the Stevens Group, destroying Allison to secure his place.
Madness gleamed in his eyes as he lashed out. "Why defend her, Mr. Lloyd? Ms. Clarke's divorced, for God's sake! No matter how good she looks, you're just picking up someone else's scraps—"
The sentence ended abruptly. A sharp scream pierced the air. Allison had kicked him in the groin as Sherman, Kellan's assistant, landed a punch to his face. Marc crumpled, his screams echoing through the office.
"Ah!!!" Allison glanced at Sherman, impressed. Kellan clearly surrounded himself with capable people. Sherman, mild-mannered, knew how to throw a punch when necessary.
"Call the police," Kellan said coldly. "Or, we'll see you in court. Either way, the Lloyd Group will crush you."
Security arrived, dragging Marc away. In his madness, he cried out, "Mr. Lloyd! You can protect her all you want, but don't take it out on me! Everyone else will see this as an injustice!"
He knew he was no match for Kellan. Even with the authorities, Kellan could easily ruin him. He'd crossed the line, so why not side with Melany?
Allison chuckled softly. "Protecting? No, Marc. You're projecting your sins onto others." Her eyes swept the room. "In case you weren't aware, there are hidden cameras in the ceiling. This is about millions in stolen property. And when the footage is handed to the police, let's see what price you'll pay."
Marc's face went ghostly pale. He hadn't known about the cameras. His confidence crumbled; the truth, like poison, sank in. His so-called allies panicked.
"Ms. Clarke, you must be kidding, right?" "Yeah, and I've always believed she's innocent!" "Maybe someone framed her—someone jealous!" "Mr. Lloyd, I bet Marc did it! He's had it out for Ms. Clarke for ages!"
They threw him under the bus, desperately distancing themselves.
"What the hell are you saying?!" Marc roared, the pain and betrayal overwhelming him.
Then he saw Sherman retrieving the hidden camera, his last hope shattering. With a burst of crazed energy, he broke free from security, lunging at Allison. "You! You pushed me to this! Now you want to throw me in jail?"
Allison's eyes narrowed. Marc had lost, but now he wanted to take her down with him. ...