Chapter 146
Aimee and many others stood in shock. The company wasn't just comprised of men; it was a diverse mix of men and women. If those private photos were ever revealed, how could she face anyone? Just as disaster loomed, Marc's phone failed to connect to his computer. He fumbled with it, only to discover the computer was completely fried.
"Were you planning to show off the private pictures you sneakily took of these women?" Allison's voice cut through the room. She had already accessed his computer and displayed its contents on a large screen for all to see. The files were gone, erased without a trace.
"I'm afraid you'll have no luck," Allison stated. "I've already deleted everything."
"However," she continued, "let's not forget the company has surveillance cameras, and everyone here is a witness. You might think you've dodged a bullet, but this won't end well for you."
Marc stood frozen, disbelief etched on his face. "This can't be happening! It's impossible!" His eyes darted between the screen and Allison. He suddenly remembered her arrival, her sharp computer skills, and how easily she'd enhanced the system's security. Had she been waiting for him to slip up?
Enraged, Marc's temper flared. "You did this on purpose! You set me up, didn't you, Allison?" He knew the law would fall upon him swiftly.
The police arrived, pieced together the events, and swiftly arrested Marc. His cronies weren't spared; they were rounded up for questioning, the threat of criminal records hanging over them like a dark cloud. The room fell silent.
Aimee broke the silence, her voice quivering. "Ms. Clarke… thank you. If it weren't for you, those photos would be everywhere by now." She understood Allison was protecting her reputation; everyone assumed the women had only been secretly photographed from beneath their skirts, unaware of the private photos with a male client. The other women echoed Aimee's gratitude.
"Thank you, Ms. Clarke! That creep wouldn't have confessed otherwise!" "Marc and his crew got exactly what they deserved! Blackmailing women with those photos… it's sick!" Excitement rippled through the room. "We owe you big time, Ms. Clarke. Not only did you wipe those pictures, but you also caught the thief from the last robbery! You're incredible!"
"I'm really sorry, Ms. Clarke. I judged you because of the rumors, but you didn't hold it against us, and you stood up for us! Respect for Allison soared. She was sharp, fair, and resolute—qualities everyone admired.
Fully aware of the workplace's cutthroat nature, Allison cut to the chase. "I'll be blunt. Some of you might think bullying and petty games are business as usual, but I won't turn a blind eye." Her smile was unnerving. "If anyone even thinks about pulling a stunt like Marc's, go ahead and try. You'll not only lose your job, but you'll face much bigger consequences."
The message resonated. Those with ill intentions shrank back, intimidated. The atmosphere had shifted; Allison commanded respect. She took charge, leaving no room for doubt.
"Aimee, you're promoted to team leader. As for the rest of you, split into groups of five and start on the lab repairs. Speed up perfume production while you're at it."
Aimee was speechless, tears welling up. "Thank you… I don't know how to thank you enough, Ms. Clarke."
Kellan, observing silently, saw Allison in a new light. She was even more decisive and efficient than he'd expected, easily controlling the situation and earning her team's admiration. She'd not only turned the tide but had done so with awe-inspiring skill. Even Kellan had to admit that the more he saw of Allison, the more mesmerized he became. She never ceased to surprise him.