Chapter 3 Web of Deceits

❤️❤️❤️Web of Deceits❤️❤️❤️

Johnson's eyes narrowed as he scribbled notes on a pad.

"Dig up dirt on Emily Lee," Sophia's words echoed in his mind.

Easy enough.

Johnson had connections, people who owed him favors.

He dialed another number.

"Marcus, I need a favor."

Marcus's gravelly voice answered.

"What do you need, Johnson?"

"I need everything on Emily Lee. Thompson Innovations' new intern."

Marcus whistled.

"That's Ethan Thompson's company. You're playing with fire."

Johnson's tone turned cold.

"I'm just gathering intel. Don't ask questions."

Marcus hesitated before agreeing.

"I'll send what I find."

Johnson ended the call, his mind racing.

How could he spin Emily's information to guarantee her termination?

A few hours passed before Marcus sent a file.

Johnson's eyes scanned the documents, a sly smile spreading.

Emily's academic records showed a minor infraction – plagiarism.

Enough to raise eyebrows.

Johnson crafted an anonymous email, attaching the incriminating evidence.

Subject: Emily Lee's Academic Misconduct

To: HR Department, Thompson Innovations

Johnson hit send, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.

The wheels were in motion.

Emily's fate was sealed.

.

.

Emily rushed out of her apartment, eager to tackle the new task Ethan assigned.

She arrived at Thompson Innovations before 7 am, her mind racing with ideas.

As she swiped her ID card, the security guard nodded.

"Morning, Emily."

Emily smiled, hurrying to the elevator.

But her enthusiasm was short-lived.

As she stepped into the office, she was greeted by the business manager, Mrs. Patel.

"Emily, can I have a word with you?" Mrs. Patel asked, her expression stern.

Emily's heart sank.

"What's wrong?"

Mrs. Patel's voice was firm.

"We've received some concerning information about your past. We need to investigate."

Emily's eyes widened.

"What information?"

Mrs. Patel hesitated.

"Academic misconduct. Plagiarism."

Emily's face paled.

"That's not true! I explained the situation in my interview."

Mrs. Patel's expression softened slightly.

"I'm sorry, Emily. But we can't ignore this. Please return home. We'll contact you if needed."

Emily felt like she'd been punched in the gut.

Why was this happening?

She had been so careful.

Emily's determination ignited.

She wouldn't let this accusation ruin her chance.

"I understand," Emily said, her voice steady.

"But I assure you, I'll clear my name."

Mrs. Patel nodded.

"We'll be in touch."

Emily left the office, her mind racing.

What could have led to this?

And who could be behind it?

The city streets blurred together as Emily walked, lost in thought.

She needed a plan.

To clear her name.

To uncover the truth.

.

Emily trudged through the city streets, her feet heavy with disappointment.

The morning's excitement had turned to dust.

How could this be happening?

She thought she'd finally found a chance to prove herself.

To support her family.

Emily's thoughts swirled, her mind racing with worries.

How would she explain this to her parents?

They relied on her, counted on her success.

Her mother's hopeful smile flashed in her mind.

"Emily, you're our only chance."

Her father's words echoed.

"We're proud of you, kiddo."

Emily's eyes stung, tears welling up.

She blinked them back, biting her lip.

She couldn't crumble now.

Not when her family needed her most.

As she turned onto her street, Emily's heart sank further.

Home.

Where she'd have to face the truth.

Her parents' expectations.

Her own failures.

Emily took a deep breath, steeling herself.

She pushed open the door, a weak smile plastered on her face.

"Mom, Dad... I'm home."

Her mother rushed to her side, worry etched on her face.

"Emily, why are you back? You just left a few hours ago."

Emily's hesitation was palpable.

How could she tell them?

The truth?

The shame?

The fear?

"Mom... I need to talk to you about something," Emily said, her voice trembling.

Her mother's expression turned alarmed.

"What is it, sweetie? What happened?"

Emily's eyes met her mother's, filled with unshed tears.

Her mother's concern deepened.

"What is it, Emily? You're scaring me."

Emily took a deep breath.

"I was sent home from work today."

Her father's expression turned serious.

"What happened?" he asked gently.

Emily's eyes dropped.

"They received an anonymous email about my past... about plagiarism."

Her mother's gasp echoed through the room.

"No, Emily! That's not true!"

Emily's tears spilled over.

"I know, Mom. I explained it in my interview. But someone wants me fired."

Her father's face fell, worry etched on his features.

"Oh, Emily... we're so sorry this is happening."

Her mother wrapped her in a warm hug.

"We believe you, sweetie. We'll support you through this."

Emily's tears mingled with relief.

She wasn't alone.

Her family stood with her.

Together, they'd face this challenge.

"Mom... Dad... I'll clear my name," Emily vowed, determination rising.

Her mother smiled softly.

"We know you will, sweetie."

.

.

Mr. Ethan stepped out of his sleek black car, his sharp eyes scanning the bustling office grounds.

As he strode toward the building, Mrs. Rachel, his efficient assistant, intercepted him.

"Sir, I need to brief you on a situation," she said, her voice urgent.

Ethan's gaze narrowed.

"What is it, Rachel?"

"Emily Lee, the new intern, was sent home by Mrs. Patel," Mrs. Rachel replied.

Ethan's expression darkened.

"Without my consent? Unacceptable."

He swiftly turned to Mrs. Patel, who was approaching them.

"Mrs. Patel, go bring Emily back. Now."

Mrs. Patel hesitated, "Sir, I can simply call Emily and ask her to return."

Ethan's voice was firm.

"No, Mrs. Patel. Go bring her yourself."

Mrs. Patel's eyes widened slightly, understanding the implicit message.

This was more than just a recall; it was a demonstration of authority.

"Yes, sir," Mrs. Patel replied, her tone measured.

She left the office, heading to Emily's residence.

As she drove, Mrs. Patel wondered about Ethan's motives.

Why was he so insistent on her retrieving Emily personally?

Was this a punishment or a power play?

Mrs. Patel's thoughts swirled, but her actions remained steadfast.

Mrs. Patel arrived at Emily's residence, the address neatly printed on her job application letter.

She stepped out of the car and walked up to the door, her heels clicking on the pavement.

Taking a deep breath, Mrs. Patel knocked firmly.

The door opened, revealing Emily's surprised face.

"Mrs. Patel... what brings you here?" Emily asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

Mrs. Patel's expression remained professional.

"Mr. Ethan wants you to return to the office, Emily," she stated.

Emily's eyes narrowed.

"What's going on?"

Mrs. Patel's tone remained neutral.

"Mr. Ethan's instructions were clear. Please, come with me."

Emily hesitated, then nodded at Mrs. Patel.

"I'll get my things," Emily said, stepping back into her house.

"Mom, Dad, I have to go back to the office," Emily called out, entering the living room.

Her parents looked up, concerned.

"What happened?" her mother asked.

"Mrs. Patel is here. Mr. Ethan wants me to return," Emily explained.

Her father's brow furrowed.

"But you were just sent home. That's going on?"

Emily shook her head.

"I don't know, Dad. But I have to go."

Her mother stood up, worry etched on her face.

"Be careful, sweetie. We'll be here, waiting to hear from you."

Emily nodded, giving her parents a reassuring smile.

"I'll be fine, Mom. Don't worry."

With a quick hug, Emily grabbed her bag and followed Mrs. Patel out the door.

As they drove back to the office, Emily's mind whirled with questions.

What did Mr. Ethan want?

Why had he sent Mrs. Patel to fetch her?

The uncertainty gnawed at her, but Emily steeled herself.

As Emily and Mrs. Patel arrived at the office, Mrs. Rachel swiftly moved toward Mr. Ethan's office.

She knocked lightly and entered, finding Mr. Ethan standing with his back to her, gazing out the glass wall.

"Sir, Emily has returned with Mrs. Patel," Mrs. Rachel announced.

Mr. Ethan's voice was cold, detached.

"Thank you, Rachel. Let her resume her duties."

His tone brooked no discussion.

Mrs. Rachel nodded, though he couldn't see her.

"Yes, sir."

She retreated from the office, closing the door behind her.

Emily, sensing the tension, exchanged a wary glance with Mrs. Patel.

Mrs. Patel's expression was neutral.

"Return to your workstation, Emily. I'll address the HR issues."

Emily nodded, her heart racing.

As she walked away, Mrs. Patel disappeared into her own office.

.

.

Sophia breezed into the office, a triumphant smile plastered on her face.

She expected to find Emily's desk vacated, her things packed up.

But instead, Emily sat focused, typing away.

Sophia's smile faltered.

What went wrong?

She marched to Mrs. Patel's office, demanding answers.

"Emily was supposed to be fired," Sophia hissed.

Mrs. Patel's expression remained calm.

"Mr. Ethan intervened. He sent me to bring her back."

Sophia's eyes blazed with fury.

Why did Ethan interfere?

Didn't he understand Emily's "crime"?

A calculated glint formed in Sophia's eyes.

New plans unfolded in her mind.

Emily would pay dearly.

This wasn't over.

Sophia's smile returned, laced with venom.

"I'll take care of Emily," she whispered to herself.

"No one steals what's mine."

As Sophia stalked out of the office, Emily sensed a chill.

Unaware of the danger lurking nearby.

The shadows seemed to darken around Emily.

The air thickened with menace.

And Sophia's whispered words echoed:

"You'll never leave this place alive."

To be continued...