Irregularities

David Steverson looked up from the stack of files on his desk, his sharp gaze settling on the executive staff member standing before him.

"So, you're saying this investment is a mistake?" His voice was even, but there was a hint of curiosity beneath it.

"Isn't that evident?" the man scoffed, gesturing toward the documents. "Look at the risk factor—it's astronomical! This project could land the company in bankruptcy."

David leaned back in his chair. "And the entire executive staff agrees with this assessment?"

"Yes. And we suspect it was Ms. Grey who pushed this forward."

David's eyes flickered with interest. "Oh?"

"This decision is absurd, Mr. Steverson. It makes no sense unless she has taken a bribe to force the company's hand."

At that, David's brows lifted.

A bribe?

That was a bold accusation.

He tapped his fingers against the polished wood of his desk, deep in thought.

"Well," he murmured, flipping the file shut, "this is indeed a high-risk move."

The executive staff member leaned in slightly. "Then, Mr. Steverson, will you support us? Will you bring this matter forward for the collective benefit of the company?"

David exhaled slowly.

"I'll see what I can do," he said.

It was a non-committal answer, but it was enough to send the executive away satisfied.

Once alone, David glanced back at the file.

Then, making up his mind, he rose from his chair, grabbed his keycard, and made his way toward the top floor.

The elevator doors slid open with a quiet chime.

David stepped out, making his way toward President Luiss's office—but the man wasn't there.

Instead, Ariana Grey sat behind his desk, completely absorbed in her work.

The room was dimly lit, the glow from her desk lamp casting long shadows across the space. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city skyline glittered against the dark night.

David observed her for a moment.

It was well past office hours. Luiss had already left. Yet here she was, sorting through files, making calculations, and working unpaid overtime.

Something inside David shifted.

He had been in this company for a long time. He had seen people who didn't care—people who cut corners, who skimmed profits, who used their positions for personal gain.

Ariana wasn't one of them.

She worked too hard.

Too diligently.

And he knew it in his gut—she wasn't the type to take bribes.

Just like last time.

David's mind flickered back to the Gerald Proposition.

They had doubted her then too. Yet, when the dust settled, it had been Ariana who saved them.

If it weren't for that incident, he might have been inclined to doubt her now.

But now…

He cleared his throat.

Ariana looked up, her eyes tinged with red from exhaustion.

"You seem busy," David remarked, "while a storm brews downstairs."

Ariana blinked. "Huh?"

"The executive staff isn't exactly thrilled about the Skyline Project."

Ariana leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. She understood instantly.

She let out a soft chuckle.

"And what about you, Mr. Steverson?" she asked, arching a brow. "On which side of the fence do you stand?"

David smirked. "I stand on the fence. Whichever side wins will decide my destination."

Ariana scoffed. "Shameless."

"Glad you noticed."

By the time Ariana finished her work and made her way downstairs, she didn't even get two steps out before she was blocked.

"You're finally here," a voice sneered.

Ariana halted.

Alexander.

He stood before her, arms crossed, his expression dripping with condescension. Around him, several other executive staff members loomed, forming a barrier around her.

One against many.

Ariana arched an eyebrow.

"Is there something you need, Mr. Alexander?"

"Don't play dumb," he snapped. "You know exactly what this is about."

Ariana tilted her head, her expression mockingly curious.

"Trust me," she said smoothly, "I haven't the slightest idea."

Alexander's jaw clenched. "The construction force for the Skyline Project. None of the executive staff agrees with this decision."

"Oh?" Ariana uttered nonchalantly. "That's unfortunate. But since it's already approved by President Luiss, your opinion is…" She smiled. "Irrelevant."

Murmurs of frustration rippled through the group.

"Ms. Grey," Alexander growled. "You might assume we're powerless, but we are not."

Ariana's eyes darkened.

"Are you threatening a strike?"

"If our voices aren't heard, that's exactly what we'll do."

For a brief moment, silence settled between them.

Then, Ariana took a step forward.

And with each step, her words fell like bombs.

"The NeuralSync Project. The Capital Nexus Project. The Infinity Hedge Project…"

Alexander's face paled.

Ariana let the names sink in before continuing.

"You see, Mr. Alexander…" Her voice turned icy. "There's a lot more to this company than just the Skyline Project. And I've noticed something interesting while reviewing documents."

Her smile was razor-sharp.

"I've seen irregularities. Small details. Tiny discrepancies."

Alexander's fists tightened.

"I took the liberty of verifying them," Ariana continued, her tone dripping with disappointment. "And the results? Disgraceful. As a senior member of the executive staff, I would have expected loyalty. Instead, I found…" She clicked her tongue. "Corruption."

A sharp gasp came from one of the staff.

Alexander's face flushed red.

"Ms. Grey!" he snapped, rage twisting his features. "You have no proof. Your baseless accusations won't rattle me!"

Ariana's smile didn't waver.

"Oh? You're right," she said smoothly. "If I had no proof, you wouldn't be rattled."

Alexander's eyes twitched.

"But once I present it…" She tilted her head. "Let's just say—President Luiss isn't a forgiving man."

A heavy silence fell over the group.

For the first time, fear flickered in Alexander's eyes.

Ariana adjusted her coat. "Now, if you'll excuse me…"

She walked past them without a single glance back.

But her words lingered in the air, leaving behind a flabbergasted Alexander and his shaken supporters.