“I trust you are all aware of our VIP client Samuel's report of fraud. I would like each of you to halt whatever tasks you are currently undertaking and trace the transactions on his account from today. Here are his details, and I expect all of you to report back to me before the end of the day,” the bank manager commanded. Ella then asked, “Excuse me, sir, but what amount are we investigating?” “Good question. Five billion pounds was withdrawn from his account at precisely 8:15 AM today,” the bank manager replied. “Oh my goodness, who would dare to steal such a significant sum from a VIP client? That is utterly despicable,” Ella remarked. “That is precisely what we aim to uncover, so I require everyone's full attention,” the bank manager stated before walking away. Steven felt a sense of satisfaction, though he pondered why he had chosen to use a VIP customer’s funds to frame Ethan; the rationale was known only to him. An announcement was made instructing all customers to leave
as the computer he relied on was malfunctioning, Ethan signed out and returned home. Steven felt elated, as he was nearing victory. When Ethan arrived home, he appeared frustrated and despondent. "Welcome home, my love. What troubles you?" Angela inquired. Ethan looked at her and, in a mumbling tone that reflected his sadness, explained, "One of my top VIP clients had five billion pounds stolen, and no one knows who is responsible. Everyone is doing their part, including me, but each time I attempt to assist, the network logs me out." "Oh, I am sorry to hear that. Perhaps you could use your laptop," Angela suggested. Ethan remained silent, as he preferred not to speak when feeling down. However, he opened his laptop to log in, only to discover that he could not access it. "I cannot even access my username and password anymore; I receive a message stating that my username and password do not exist," Ethan expressed. "Hmm, that is peculiar. You might try logging in using mine,"
"I have proof that I am innocent, I was unable to access my computer since yesterday, and my laptop was not functional when I returned home either. Steven can attest to this, as he was in my office yesterday, and I am pleased that he is present," Ethan stated. The bank manager then turned to Steven and asked, "Steven, is he telling the truth?" This was the moment Steven had been anticipating, as he wished to testify as a witness, and he finally had the opportunity. "That depends on the nature of the truth you are inquiring about, sir," Steven replied. "Were you with him yesterday at his office while he was attempting to log in as he claims?" the bank manager asked. "Yes, sir, I was present," Steven confirmed. Wyatt interjected, "At what exact time was he trying to log in unsuccessfully?" "At noon, after the incident had already occurred," Steven clarified. "It is noted here that our VIP customer, Samuel, was debited at precisely 8:15 AM, and your colleague Ethan was unable to
I am allowing you to leave without charges, not out of leniency, but to prevent this matter from escalating further and to avert jeopardising our branch’s operations. We have concluded that you are to be fired. So Ethan, you are fired!” Ethan was taken aback, rendered speechless by the proclamation. Numerous discussions had transpired, leading to the consensus that Ethan should be terminated to mitigate potential risks, as they were uncertain of his future actions. Ethan wept and pleaded for a second chance, saying, "Sir, please allow me the opportunity to prove my innocence." "It is already too late for that, Ethan. However, all your bank accounts will be frozen for six months, and the car and house that the bank provided will also be seized as a consequence of your actions, rather than facing imprisonment," the bank manager stated. The bank confiscated everything, leaving Ethan with nothing, prompting him to weep like a child as he begged for another chance to demonstrate his i
explain that I had been framed, but they refused to listen. They even inquired about the current balance in my bank account. When I provided the information, they checked my balance and discovered that the five billion pounds were in my account, leading them to conclude that I was a thief," Ethan explained through tears. "Oh my goodness, this is unbelievable," Alfie exclaimed. "The most frustrating part was that when I entered my details in their presence, I was able to log in successfully, which exacerbated the situation. I shouted that there had been a misunderstanding," Ethan recounted. "Did they not believe you?" Alfie asked. "They did not believe me; they accused me of fabricating stories. I even suggested they consult Steven, who could corroborate my account, as he was present when I attempted to access my account," Ethan said. "Did he support your claims?" Alfie questioned. "Yes, he did. He informed them of what he witnessed," Ethan explained. "And what did he say?" Alfi
that something was amiss. "My love, have you been crying? Your eyes are swollen, and your face appears dull," Angela remarked. "There is something I need to discuss with you," Ethan stated. "Please, speak to me; I am here to listen," Angela encouraged. Ethan began, "Do you recall the issue regarding one of our regular VIP customers that I mentioned yesterday?" "You mean the VIP client who was defrauded of five billion pounds?" Angela responded. "Precisely," Ethan confirmed. "What about him?" Angela asked swiftly. "I have been accused of defrauding him of that amount," Ethan revealed. "What?!" Angela exclaimed. Ethan began to weep. "Did you not explain your innocence to them?" Angela asked. "I did, but they refused to listen," Ethan declared. "Who do you mean by 'they'?" Angela inquired. "The bank manager and the board of directors," Ethan replied. "Is that the source of your distress?" Angela asked. Ethan swallowed hard and responded, "No, that is not the only issue; I
said, feigning ignorance. Upon hearing this, Angela became quite irate, rolling her eyes and taking a deep breath. Ethan remained silent until Steven promptly inquired, "What do you plan to do regarding the individual who has framed you?" Ethan glanced at Angela and replied, "Nothing; I do not even know who it was." Angela smiled, pleased with Ethan's response, as it indicated that, at present, everyone was a potential suspect. "Very well, I trust you have eaten?" Steven expressed his concern. "I have not," Ethan responded. "Why is that?" Steven asked. "Ah, you should not be asking that; who would have an appetite under such circumstances?" Ethan retorted. "Ethan, it is essential that you eat. What has transpired cannot be changed, but you must nourish yourself to regain your strength. Just look at how much weight you have lost in less than twenty-four hours," Steven advised. "I will eat later; I am simply not hungry at the moment," Ethan replied. "Alright then, I suppose I
"Hmm, very well, enlighten me on how you executed this," Jane insisted. "Well, I had his computer hacked, which provided me with easy access to his information. I reviewed his client list, and one of the VIP clients caught my attention. Consequently, I embezzled a substantial sum from the VIP client’s account into Ethan's account, ensuring he was not notified of the transfer. Additionally, I made certain that he could not access his computer for twenty-four hours; had he done so, my plan would have been compromised," Steven elaborated. "Wow, my younger brother possesses a remarkable competency of which I am proud," Jane remarked. Susan then interjected, "Alright, enough of this discussion; let us celebrate this victory." "Indeed, we should celebrate now," Jane agreed. They raised their glasses in a toast. "Cheers to a new level," Susan toasted. "Cheers to Steven's victory," Jane added. "Cheers to my accomplishments and future promotions," Steven toasted to himself. I
that revealing the true reason behind his inquiry might raise suspicions, so he nodded and stated, "Never mind. I was merely asking because I miss you and aspire to emulate you in every aspect. I have already adopted the practices I am aware of, leading me to wonder if there was more I needed to do to resemble you." Ethan, moved by Steven's fabricated narrative, expressed sympathy, "Oh, Steven, I understand you are facing considerable challenges at work, but you must be gentle with yourself. My promotions were purely a result of divine grace; remember to take care of your health and approach your work with caution." Ultimately, Steven overlooked the fact that he had previously lied to Ethan about being asthmatic and was surprised when Ethan mentioned his health conditions. He questioned, "What health conditions are you referring to?" Ethan, amused, scrutinised Steven closely, astonished by the question he had posed. "I do not comprehend; did you forget that you are asthmatic?" At
the financial resources to investigate who framed me. Why can you not simply let it go?" Ethan asked. "I did not come here for that," Charlotte replied. Ethan blinked in surprise and queried, "Then why are you here if not concerning my situation?" "I am here because of our past, and I wish to discuss what happened between us and explore the possibility of making amends," Charlotte stated. Ethan was amused and he exclaimed, "What! You cannot be serious. There is no 'us,' so please return home." "Ethan, please refrain from being rude and allow me to explain," Charlotte pleaded. "For what reason? Is it only now that you think of me after you vanished without a trace? You blocked my contacts and refused to communicate with me. Now you stand here asking me to refrain from being rude?" Ethan lamented, his frustration evident. "I understand your feelings, and you are justified in feeling that way. However, I did not leave intentionally; it was a sudden decision. It was difficult for m
"Oh my goodness, are you serious?" Angela asked. "Yes, my dear, and I stood there in stunned silence," Ethan admitted. "How was it that you were able to open the door? Was it not locked?" Angela inquired. "The door was indeed unlocked; I suspect they did not expect anyone to arrive at that moment, or perhaps he simply neglected to lock it," Ethan inferred. "What happened next?" Angela queried. "When I opened the door, Jennifer immediately saw me, gasped, and began pleading for forgiveness. Conversely, Edward was so overwhelmed with shame that he could not meet my gaze or utter a word," Ethan recounted. "Naturally, he had ample reason to feel ashamed. What actions did you take following your discovery?" Angela inquired with a laugh. "I did nothing; I was too heartbroken. Instead, I merely shook my head in disbelief, glaring at both of them with intense resentment," Ethan revealed. "I empathise with your pain, but did she offer any explanation for her infidelity?
Moreover, we do not know where to begin." Charlotte was rendered speechless. Ethan promptly added, "Charlotte, Steven is correct; at this moment, I do not have any funds." Charlotte reassured him, "It is perfectly fine; do not concern yourself with that. I will take care of it for the sake of old times, and I will do it pro bono." Upon hearing this, Angela's mood shifted, and she cast an unfavourable glance at Ethan, which he noticed. "Charlotte, please do not worry about assisting me. Thank you," Ethan expressed his gratitude. Meanwhile, Steven was eager to learn about Ethan's secret regarding his promotions but felt it was not the appropriate moment to discuss it. He resolved to defer the conversation until their next meeting, even though he had not received a promotion at work since Ethan's dismissal, he felt content that Ethan was no longer a factor in the workplace. Angela remained silent. After a lengthy discussion with Ethan, Steven realised that he would not have the c
work with the Supreme Court," Charlotte replied. Steven was amused by Charlotte's transformation into a lawyer, recalling how unremarkable she had been during their high school years, often overlooked even by teachers. "Goodness, Charlotte, how did you achieve this? It is truly remarkable!" Steven exclaimed. "It is all thanks to God. I transferred to another school, which allowed me to focus on my studies. I left behind distractions that had hindered my academic progress, and I became quite studious. That is how I reached this point in my life," Charlotte elucidated. "That is splendid. Please provide me with your contact number so that I may reach out to you whenever I encounter a problem. From this moment on, you shall be my lawyer; however, I would like to observe your courtroom performance first," Steven stated. "That is not an issue. I am currently handling a high-profile case; perhaps you could attend and observe on Thursday," Charlotte suggested. "Certainly, I shall be ava
"Can you believe it? It has been a month since I orchestrated Ethan's dismissal, yet I am still in my previous position despite my hard work. The bank manager does not seem to notice my efforts, or perhaps I should say he dislikes me, as I am emulating everything Ethan used to do," Steven articulated. "That is unfortunate. What do you intend to do now?" Jane questioned. "I am uncertain; if I had a solution, I would not be calling you," Steven responded. "Calm yourself. Since you have stated that you are undertaking all the tasks Ethan performed that previously benefitted him, and it has not yielded the same results for you, I suggest you inquire with Ethan about his approach. He may be employing strategies of which you are unaware, and you might be overlooking something significant," Jane advised. "That would be challenging, dear sister," Steven replied. "Why do you say that? There is no harm in reaching out. You could either call Ethan or visit him if speaking over the phon
“You know I do not drink, and even if I did, it would not be to the extent of intoxication. She compelled me to do so; the thought of her seeking favour from me while I am now without purpose made me feel like she was looking for a chance to discard me. I must say, I now believe you; you were right about her from the beginning. All she wanted was my money, nothing more,” Ethan elaborated. “Ethan, please calm down. You are overreacting. We both know how much Angela cares for you. I believe you should answer her calls and allow her the opportunity to explain herself. Although I am quite upset with her, I recognise that your current state has clouded your judgement; this too shall pass,” Alfie reassured Ethan. “If only I could discover who has betrayed me, it might provide me with some solace. Even if I do not regain my job, I will ensure that I exact my revenge on the individual responsible, making them suffer more than I have,” Ethan lamented. “Come here, my friend. I can see you ne
and replied, “Ethan, please calm down.” Henry interjected, “Angela, who is this unemployed and odorous man?” Ethan was taken aback upon hearing Henry refer to him as unemployed. “So, Angela, you have been informing everyone that I am unemployed, have you?” Ethan asked, his anger evident. “And why would I do such a thing?” Angela retorted. Frustrated, Ethan pushed Henry, who, in turn, became irate and was about to retaliate when Angela intervened. “Henry! Stop it! Ethan, please leave; you have caused me enough embarrassment for today. I will speak with you later,” Angela instructed. Henry, clearly irritated, remarked, “Angela, when you are ready to tell me who this pig is, you know where to find me,” before storming out. “Since when did you begin to give me orders? You even had the audacity to disclose my personal circumstances to this fool. His mention of knowing where to find him, which implies that you have been seeing him behind my back. Is this truly how you conduct yourse
pulled Ethan back to safety. "Be careful!" Harper exclaimed as he dragged Ethan to the side of the road. Startled, Ethan began to breathe rapidly. Harper inquired, "What is troubling you so deeply that you would risk your life? Are you aware that you nearly got hit by a car?" Ethan lost his composure and collapsed into tears, akin to a child, seated on the ground. In his distress, he recounted to Harper how he had been framed and subsequently dismissed from his job. Though Harper was unfamiliar with Ethan, he felt a profound sense of compassion for him. "I am truly sorry to hear that you lost your job, but you must not consider taking such drastic measures. Your life is far more valuable than any position you have lost. If you were to die now, the job would continue, and the person responsible for your misfortune would be out there, enjoying themselves. You must gather your strength," Harper advised. "You truly do not understand. They have taken everything from me, leavi