Mark's men closed in on Alex, their hands reaching for his pockets."Time to search you, Alex," Mark said, his voice cold.Elisa's eyes gleamed with triumph."Finally, we'll find the proof we need."But just as the search was about to begin, Williams strode into the room."Halt!" he commanded, his authoritative voice echoing off the walls.Mark's men paused, unsure.Williams' gaze swept the room, his expression stern."What's going on here?"Mark stepped forward."We're searching Alex for the stolen ring."Williams' eyes narrowed."On whose authority?"Elisa spoke up."Mine. I'm the victim."Williams turned to her."Elisa, you're not the law. We can't just search someone without evidence."Mark intervened."We have reason to believe Alex is involved."Williams' skepticism was palpable."Reason to believe? That's not enough."Alex spoke up."I didn't take the ring. I swear."Williams' gaze lingered on Alex before returning to Mark."I won't let you railroad an innocent man."Elisa's fa

Alex stepped forward, his eyes locked on Williams'. "Please, Williams, don't involve the police. Elisa's already lost everything."Williams' expression remained stern, but a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes. "You're defending her after what she did?"Alex nodded. "I know she made a mistake, but she's still part of your company. Think of the scandal, the damage to your reputation."Williams' gaze lingered on Elisa's crumbling form before returning to Alex. "You're right. But she can't go unpunished.""I agree," Alex said. "But let's handle this internally. You could take away her privileges or something."Williams' brow furrowed, weighing the options. "Very well. I'll revoke my decision to help Mark contact the Gladiator group."Mark's eyes widened in surprise. "That's severe."Williams' voice turned cold. "Be lucky I didn't do worse. And as for you Mark, you've been blinded by his your ambition. You needs to learn wealth isn't just about power."Williams' gaze hardened. "You're