All Chapters of FRAMED (THE PAYBACK): Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

my love, but I lack the energy to cook. Why not purchase some food on your way home?" Angela suggested. "Please, I understand your reluctance towards him, but for my sake, I implore you," Ethan pleaded. "Very well, I shall prepare something before your return, but only because of you," Angela clarified. "Thank you immensely; that is why I cherish you," Ethan gratefully remarked. After work, Ethan and Steven went to his residence. Steven felt a surge of envy upon witnessing the beauty and spaciousness of Ethan's home. "Very soon, all of this will be lost," Steven mused inwardly. "Welcome to my humble abode; please, have a seat," Ethan invited. Steven smiled and settled into a chair, feigning comfort as if he held no animosity towards Ethan. Ethan then called out, "My love, I am home!" Angela emerged from the kitchen, radiantly beautiful as always. "Oh my goodness, I did not hear you arrive; nevertheless, you are welcome. How was work?" Angela inquired, bestowing a kiss upon

However, after waiting for two hours for a refund without success, he realised the situation had escalated beyond control. He hurried to the bank to lodge a complaint and safeguard his funds. Upon entering the bank, Samuel vociferously addressed the customer service staff, "I was debited a substantial sum this morning, and I cannot recall authorising any transactions. I have waited for two hours for a refund, yet to no avail. If you are aware of what has occurred regarding my money, I suggest you initiate the refund process immediately; otherwise, I shall pursue legal action against this bank." The customer service employees were taken aback, and one staff member, Ella, promptly responded, "Sir, please calm down and explain to us exactly what transpired, as your agitation is causing confusion. We are all perplexed and unaware of the situation." "Do not instruct me to calm down; my money was stolen this morning, and you expect me to remain composed? Are you out of your mind?" Samuel

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 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

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