won't allow it." Alejandro shouted after her, knowin

e." She whispered but didn't stop wa

I will not go, you have to come back with me and listen to wha

e her arm, but he was stronger. So, she g

you can come by my office tomorrow? Please, Marie, I

nown this was a waste of tim

called after her, but sh

es the w

ently at the antique grandfather clock. He had been waiting for Marie for over an

lejandro snapped. "I tol

't start with me, Alejandro. I got held up by something important,

, throwing his arms up. "It's no wonder I ended up

't stand here and listen to this." She stormed over to the desk and grabbed a

didn't have your time today."

is signature across the documents inside the envelope. "Fine, leave then. See if I care," he muttered under

ity to exploit his weakness and steal right from under his nose. Alejandro's fingers flew across the keyboard a

isfaction of a job well done when suddenly

gasped, clutching a stack of p

brow, surprise and annoyance flic

on some black market website," Thomas blurted out, breathless fr

ndro questioned, his hea

lf." Thomas handed over the

him. This could not be happening, not now. With a sigh, he handed the papers back to Th

mas replied before scu

l for months, and he was eager to share it with his partners. Shaking off his frustration, he picked up the phone and dialed their number

nfident that his new business model would revolutionize the industry. But as the l

antly, holding out his phone.

t launched a business using his exact model. His mind raced, trying to comprehend how this

y, handing the phone back. "Keep looking i

Thomas replied, hi

ger, betrayal, and determination. He would not let this setback define him. First, his mar

antime, he needed to regroup and strategize. It was time to remin

hint of a leak. He double-checked all security protocols and analyzed the communication logs with his par

from lack of sleep. "I need you to gather everyone who had acc

concern etched on his face as he to

scanning the faces of his trusted employees. He noticed their unease, as

w, our rival company has launched a business using our new model. I h

silence. "I will not tolerate betrayal within this company. If anyon

ould see the fear and confusion in hi

horough investigation to find the person responsible. If you are innocent, you have nothin

ployees filed out of the room, he caught sight of Tho

g some digging, and I may have found someth

flicker of hope struck within him. "Let's

genius, they were able to search places that seemed unsearchab

Alejandro asked his secre

um, this is beyond my expertise." Thomas st

bout it!" he shouted,

" Thomas whispered and packed up his

nvestors as that seemed like the only solution to his dying business and bankruptcy-filled company. However,

e upscale restaurant. He forced a smile, though his stomach churned. He n

d man said, patting his wife's hand. "And we've decided to bac

shook it firmly. For the first time in weeks, Alejandro felt hopeful. Perhaps his luck was finally changing. T

believe so. I'm sure I would rememb

m certain I've seen you somewhere..." She turn

andro's face. Then his eyes widened in recogn

? How could these peop

. I should have known from that smarmy grin of yours." She shoved the investment contract back

as the couple rose from their seats and exited the restaurant.

head into his hands. This was sur