Chapter 1

"We, as the company, are compelled to make the decision that has been clearly stated in the letter. During the investigation period until we find accurate and valid evidence, Mr. Gibson will have to be put on temporary leave."

Gibson Altarkan, a man with a neat and clean shirt clinging to his body, blinked his eyes a few times.

The words he had just heard with his own ears felt utterly unbelievable to him.

How could it be? He was about to receive a termination letter directly from his boss.

"I sincerely apologize, sir. However, I cannot accept this letter at all. Shouldn't I receive a more thorough explanation about the reasons behind this termination letter?" Gibson said, attempting to defend himself.

Because at that moment, he didn't feel guilty at all. He didn't even have any wrongdoing, but for some reason, his boss accused him with such a statement.

The boss remained silent, massaging his temples, which seemed to be throbbing with pain after hearing Gibson's demand for an explanation.

A long, heavy sigh was faintly heard, reaching Gibson's ears.

It was evident that the man demanded to get clarity from his boss by the look on his face.

"The company detected a loss of items, and you were present at the location. Therefore, as the individual suspected of committing the theft, the company has decided to suspend Mr. Gibson temporarily. Until the truth behind this case can be fully unraveled."

Gibson widened his eyes, looking piercingly sharp. Hold on! What did his boss mean by saying that he was suspected of theft?

Had someone already informed the boss that Gibson was supposed to be responsible for the theft?

"What about Ricard? Do you have some evidence that suggests Gibson is responsible for this?"

Gibson fell silent for a moment. His mind suddenly switched gears to process the name mentioned by his boss.

Gibson didn't feel unfamiliar with that name at all. He then lifted his head, attempting to see who was being called by the boss to confirm if his memory wasn't mistaken.

"Ready, Mr. Manager. I'm here as a witness to the incident. I personally saw Gibson leaving the room with some items. But I can't confirm what those items were."

A man of similar age to Gibson's, with determined steps, arrived. Gibson's facial expression drastically changed as he recognized the face of the person presented as evidence by the boss.

"Ricard?! You?!"

Gibson immediately rose from his seat. His eyes were fixed on the person who was clearly accusing him of something he didn't do.

"Mr. Manager, you can directly check the CCTV footage during the incident."

Gibson shook his head, appearing disbelieving. What did that person mean? Why was he saying something completely different?

"No, Mr. Manager! I didn't steal anything from that room. It's true I took something out, but it wasn't the missing items."

Certainly, Gibson would never accept what was happening to him at the moment. It was evident that he had only entered and taken something else, not the items in question.

Gibson, who had considered Ricard a close friend almost like a brother due to their strong friendship, was now bewildered by Ricard's actions.

Ricard, who he considered more than just an ordinary friend, accuses him unjustly. Could this be the reason why he wants to develop a close relationship with Gibson? Is all of this happening because Ricard is targeting him to be the scapegoat?

"Enough. I don't want to hear any more words from you, Gibson. I apologize for not addressing you as 'Sir' anymore, as I feel you don't deserve such a respectful title. That's all."

The boss intervenes to diffuse the hostile exchange between Gibson and Ricard. His words suggest that the boss is actually siding with the troublesome friend who made him quit his job.

Although Gibson hasn't been fired by the boss, wouldn't receiving such a letter tarnish his image in the eyes of his office colleagues?

It's possible that other employees might label Gibson as a corruptor.

Gibson clenches his fists tightly, utterly perplexed by the behavior of someone he considered his own brother.

"I think our conversation ends here. With the available data and evidence, the company will make a decision to investigate the truth of this incident. I hope you understand my stance. Gibson, you may leave my office once you have nothing else to attend to."

Gibson tries to contain his emotions. He closes his eyes for a while, indicating his struggle to forget the hurtful words.

Even the boss refrains from using the respectful title "Sir" before his name. Could he really be so heartless toward Gibson? Acting in such a manner?

Gibson gazes at him, shaking his head a few times.

"I never expected you to say something like that. I won't care about you anymore. Thanks for the pain of friendship you've given me all this time. That's enough for everything!"

Gibson stares intensely at the man, who averts his gaze, unable to meet Gibson's eyes.

No matter what! That man absolutely cannot accept Gibson's behavior.

However, what else can be done? The man has already behaved that way. There's nothing more Gibson can do; everything has already happened due to his careless actions.

"Thank you, Sir, for everything. I hope the company can catch the true corruptor. It's not right to keep listening to one side without considering voices from the other. Because if this isn't true, it truly hurts the first party."

Gibson said with a deeply wounded heart.

For some reason, he could still manage a faint smile on his face. Even though it's clear his heart is in pain and turmoil.

"I'm leaving."

Gibson then promptly walked out of the room, leaving behind the heaviness in his heart.

Just as Gibson stepped outside, right after his hand reached to close the door of the room, you could see how he let out a long and deep sigh.

He didn't know what to do at that moment. Every decision he made felt incredibly challenging for him to trust.

"It's okay, Gibson. You don't need to listen to what they're saying. Remember! You're not wrong. You don't even know how you're supposed to act. Let time prove everything. Let God's will work as it should."

Gibson closed his eyes for a few seconds. Shortly after, he opened them again, feeling much more drawn to positive energy now.

"I have to stay motivated even though today doesn't feel good. I can surely handle everything. Nothing is impossible for me."

Gibson tried to implant these suggestions within himself.

He didn't want to become too consumed by the case that had befallen him.

"The truth will surely come out. As an innocent person, I shouldn't have to fear anything. Just stop all these crazy thoughts."

After uttering that sentence, Gibson walked away from the place without saying a word. His heart is aching.

While inside the room after Gibson's departure, Mr. Manager stood up and walked towards Richard.

"Thank you, Richard. I will transfer the agreed-upon funds shortly," Mr. Manager said, curling the corners of his lips upwards.