Chapter 9 - The Interrogation of Truth
The remainder of the gala was a blur of hurried damage control. Maya was politely escorted to a private lounge by the Foundation's Chairman, a quiet, observant man named Harrison. Two police detectives were already waiting there, the stolen gold watch resting on the glass coffee table inside an evidence bag.
"Ms. Lin," the lead detective said, reviewing his notepad. "The footage is conclusive, and we retrieved the watch exactly where the video showed it being placed. You are entirely cleared of any suspicion."
Maya nodded politely. "Thank you, Detective. I only regret that it had to be handled so publicly. But given the... immediate threat to my character, I felt transparency was the only defense."
May you like
Chairman Harrison sighed, rubbing his temples. "You have nothing to apologize for, Maya. The Board has suspected Eleanor of unethical behavior for years, but her family's money always kept us quiet. What she tried to do to you tonight... it's unforgivable."
He looked at the young software engineer, truly seeing her for the first time. He saw the brilliant, unshakeable mind that had protected both herself and the integrity of their organization. "You didn't just save yourself tonight," Harrison murmured. "You saved the Foundation."
