CHAPTER 17 Simon to the rescue

Simon glanced down at the pleading woman clutching his legs, her tears streaming down her face. He felt a pang of sympathy, but he knew he had to stand firm. Taking a deep breath, he gently disentangled himself from her grip.

"I understand your situation," Simon said, his voice now calmer. "But this incident has crossed a line. Accusing an innocent person without proper evidence is unacceptable."

The woman looked up at him, her eyes filled with desperation. "Please, sir, I was only trying to help," she pleaded once again. "I didn't realize it would upset you so much. I'll release him immediately."

Simon's fists tightened with anger. She still didn't seem to grasp the gravity of her mistake. He turned his attention to her, his voice stern and controlled. "You seem to be missing the point. It's not just about upsetting me. It's about falsely accusing an individual and tarnishing their reputation. That's why you're being dismissed. Now, gather your belongings and leave."

She dropped to h