Abigail's fingers quivered as she gripped her buzzing phone and looked in shock at the message. She felt the words on the screen piercing her thoughts as they glared back at her."Accuse Sebastian of harassing you sexually. Do it, or everything comes crashing down!"As she read the message again, her breath caught, hoping that she had misinterpreted. However, there was no escaping the truth. This threat's source was aware of her embezzlement and was cunning enough to take advantage of it.Abigail's mind was racing. Her office's low light created long shadows that mirrored the chaos inside of her. Her knuckles whitened as she grasped the edge of her desk. How could she even consider such a thing? She had received nothing but kindness and encouragement from Sebastian. She felt her stomach turn at the mere notion of betraying him.She shook her head and whispered, "No," as though saying it aloud would make it true. She was startled when the phone buzzed once more, her heart thumping her
Tears streaked her vision as she read the directions. They had even got the lie ready for her. If she simply signed it, Sebastian's life and career would be irreparably damaged.What option did she have, though? Her past would be exposed for everyone to see if she disobeyed. Everything would be lost for her: her freedom, her reputation, and her work. If she did this, though, could she live with herself?***Abigail followed instructions and showed up early at the office the following morning. She avoided making eye contact with everyone she passed and moved through the building like a ghost. With each step, her heart felt like a lead weight in her chest, weighing her down.Her hand trembled so badly as she got to HR that she had to brace herself against the wall before she could even get to the door handle. Once again, she hesitated as the room beyond was excessively silent. However, her phone began to buzz in her pocket. The reminder.She forced open the door after taking a deep bre
The HR manager nodded, shutting the document and looking directly at him once more. "Mr. President, I understand that this is challenging, but we must adhere to protocol. You might be asked to temporarily resign until the issue is resolved while an investigation is underway.As Sebastian tried to take in what he was hearing, his mouth moved back and forth. This was ridiculous. There had never been anything even slightly improper between him and Abigail, they had always maintained a professional relationship. Why would she make such a statement?"I would like to talk to her. Can I?" With a rough voice, he asked.The manager of HR shook her head. Mr. President, I am afraid that would not be appropriate. This is something we have to tackle by the book. I advise you to fully assist with the investigation. If you are innocent, the facts will be revealed.Sebastian did not even hear her. His thoughts were racing, going over every conversation he would ever had with Abigail in an attempt to
‘I can not believe this is happening to me.’Sebastian’s eyes were fixed on the ceiling of his office, the faint hum of the air conditioning doing little to calm the storm in his mind. The ticking of the wall clock had become louder, a rhythmic reminder of the time slipping away, each second a ticking bomb. As he prepared to step aside from his position temporarily, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was terribly wrong. Abigail's sudden betrayal felt out of character, too orchestrated to be a simple act of malice. There had to be more to this, he was sure of it.He pushed himself up from his chair, his body heavy with the weight of uncertainty. Grabbing his phone, he paced the length of his office, his fingers hovering over Abigail’s contact. He had already left a voicemail, yet the silence “She’s hiding something.” He muttered under his breath. The conviction in his voice was laced with desperation. He needed answers, but more importantly, he needed to know what w
William Prime walked through the corridors with deliberate calm, but his mind was racing beneath his composed exterior. The previous night had been restless, and he did not feel comfortable with the idea of Abigail betraying Sebastian. She was a devoted employee who showed him respect for his nephew and was loyal to the company. Something was off, and it was bothering him like an itch that would not go away. He had to see for himself what was truly going on.William watched Abigail closely as the day went on, waiting for the ideal opportunity. When Abigail left her office for lunch at around noon, he knew that his patience had paid off. She moved sluggishly, as if she were carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, her gaze downcast and her mind clearly elsewhere. William seized the chance.He slipped into her office and quietly closed the door behind him, his heart pounding in his chest. His eyes scanned the room before settling on the phone on her desk. He paused for a mome
Sitting in her office was Abigail. As her thoughts spiraled, the room seemed smaller, with the walls closing in. She kept feeling as though time was running out. Her thoughts were still filled with the demands of the blackmailer, but there was also William. His earlier words lingered in her mind, a lifeline she wanted so much to hold onto. She felt more and more compelled to confide in him because he had given her an escape route. She had to tell him!She moved in the direction of the door, reaching for the handle, but her phone rang and stopped her cold. With her blood growing cold, Abigail gazed at the phone as though it were a poisonous snake. The caller ID was disabled. She hesitated, feeling a knot in her stomach tighten because she knew exactly who it was.When she lifted the phone and put it to her ear, her hand shook. The person on the other end had a detached, emotionless, and cold voice."Abigail, are you heading somewhere?" She shivered at the blackmailer's voice because it
With each breath she took, the threats from the blackmailer felt like chains around her neck. But now, even as she entered William's office, she was resolved to break free from those bonds, if only slightly.William's expression softened as he looked up from his desk and saw her. "Abigail." He said, standing up, "Please, sit down."After a brief moment of hesitation, she moved to the chair across from his desk. She sat down and tried to steady her hands by clasping them together. William observed her intently, perceiving her inner struggle."I appreciate that you met me." William spoke first, his tone soothing and collected. "I want you to know that you are not alone in this; I know it has been tough for you. We will deal with whatever comes up together."Abigail looked down at her hands, tears brimming in her eyes. "Sir," she started, her voice barely above a whisper, "I need to tell you something… something I should have told you a long time ago."William leaned closer, giving her h
After speaking with William, Abigail was more determined than ever. Every step she took was no longer met with the chilling grip of fear. She finally had a strong ally who could handle whatever came her way.As she arrived at her office, her phone buzzed and she recognized the name on the screen even though it was an unknown number.She answered after a brief moment of hesitation, her voice firm against the anxiety that tried to seep in. "What is it that you want?!”The blackmailer's voice was cold, calculated, and threatening. "You did not speak to the press, Abigail. You ignored my demand to expose Sebastian. Unwise decision."Abigail clenched her fist, her knuckles turning white as she struggled to maintain her voice. "I am done with your games! It will not work anymore, no matter how hard you try to frighten me."There was a deep laugh coming from the other end of the line. "You believe that you are safe because William Prime is on your side, right? Abigail, I have your secrets. I