The silence inside the boardroom felt heavier than the accusation itself.
Amelia stood frozen beside the long mahogany table, staring at the printed documents spread before her.
Her login ID.
Her timestamp.
Her name.
Attached to a confidential file that had been leaked to Kane Industries' biggest competitor.
"This has to be a mistake," she whispered.
Victoria folded her arms elegantly. "Our competitor launched an identical campaign this morning. The strategy is word-for-word."
One of the board members adjusted his glasses. "Ms. Turner, corporate espionage is a criminal offense."
Criminal.
The word made her knees weaken.
Adrian had not spoken.
He stood near the window, hands behind his back, looking out at the skyline.
Calm.
Too calm.
"Mr. Kane," Amelia said softly, "I would never betray this company."
He turned slowly.
His gaze was sharp enough to cut through steel.
"You were the last one to access the file."
"Yes, because you asked me to finish it!"
Victoria sighed. "Desperation makes people careless."
Something inside Amelia snapped.
"I worked day and night for that report," she said, voice trembling but strong. "Why would I ruin it?"
No one answered.
Adrian finally walked toward the table.
"Leave," he told the board members.
They hesitated — then obeyed.
Victoria lingered.
Adrian didn't look at her. "You too."
Her lips tightened, but she left.
The door shut.
Now it was just them.
Amelia's heart pounded violently.
"Do you believe I did it?" she asked.
Adrian stepped closer.
Close enough that she could feel the tension radiating from him.
"I believe," he said slowly, "that someone wants you blamed."
Her breath caught.
"You don't think it was me?"
His eyes darkened.
"If you betrayed me," he said quietly, "I would know."
The words weren't comforting.
They were possessive.
And dangerous.