Chapter 155

She’d been so sure Reese would push for a divorce. Then she could set Sebastian up with someone better, someone from a good family who could actually help the Ratcliffs.
But nothing had gone how she planned. Instead, Sebastian had practically begged the old man to talk to Reese for him, and even more shocking, Reese actually agreed to think it over.
Now things were beyond awkward between her and Reese, and Sebastian was obviously all in for Reese. If this marriage didn’t fall apart, she’d be practically at Reese’s mercy. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by.net
No way. She had to find a way to get Sebastian and Reese divorced, no matter what it took.
Meanwhile, Reese and Matthew pulled up at BlackOak. Matthew went to settle Annie, and Reese headed straight upstairs.
The second she walked into the development team’s office, she could tell something was off. People were clustered in little groups, sneaking glances at her, their whispers buzzing nonstop.
“Did you see the forum? Blade’s core data got leaked!”
“I saw! It was posted anonymously, but the IP address came from Reese’s office computer!”
“You’re kidding. She’s one of the leads. Why would she leak anything?”
“Who knows? Didn’t the security bureau investigate her before?”
Reese frowned, not expecting Lyla to move so fast. She and Matthew hadn’t even secured proof of Lyla’s connection to Leslie, and Lyla had already gone and leaked the data.
Reese turned, ready to find Matthew and figure out what to do next, but Lyla blocked her way.
“Wow, Reese, you actually showed up at BlackOak. If I were you, I’d be halfway out of town already, before the security bureau came for me again.”
Lyla looked her up and down, looking way too pleased with herself. “I just heard Alan say the bureau’s on their way here right now.
“You got lucky last time and cleared your name, but this time the evidence is airtight. Let’s see you get out of this one.”
This time byla hadn’t bothered faking an P address. She’d
tampered with the security logs and
made sure to leak the data from
Reese’s own office when no or
was around.
The evidence was stacked. There was no way Reese could talk her way out of this.
Lyla felt a surge of satisfaction. The person backing her had promised that if she pulled this off, she could move abroad, or, if she wanted to stay in the country, they’d get her a spot at DeepQuanta.
She glanced around, seeing everyone nodding and shooting Reese looks full of blame, and felt more confident than ever.
Reese stood in the middle of it all, her face calm. “Lyla, you know exactly who’s behind this. Don’t pretend you don’t.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Lyla’s heart skipped a beat, panic flashing in her eyes, but she held her ground. “Reese, are you trying to pin this on me? I don’t even have access to that data!
“Everyone knows you started here as an assistant. You always stayed late after everyone else left. Weren’t you just waiting for a chance to steal something?”
“Yeah, I saw Reese working alone plenty of times after hours,” another jealous developer chimed in, sounding a little too eager.
“Exactly. Lyla’s not even on the core team. How would she get her hands on that data?”
“Reese, stop trying to frame someone innocent.”
“Lyla, don’t worry. We’ll all back you up. We know you didn’t do this.”
Reese gave a cold laugh, about to say something, when a group of men in black suits walked in, flashing their badges.
“We’re with the National Security Bureau. We’re here to investigate the recent data breach. Please cooperate.”
Lyla’s eyes lit up. She pointed
straight at Reese, her voice shrill et
with excitement. “Officers, that’s her Reese! She’s the one who
leaked the data. Arrest her!