The Beginning Of All Sins

Everyone was unsure at first, then they started looking worried. They stared at Claude, who was on stage, and began whispering to each other.

At first, Claude didn't notice their reactions, but as the room got louder, he turned and saw the photos of him holding a woman's hand on the screen. He started to feel anxious.

Suddenly, Angus's group stood up, pointing at the screen. "Isn't that Mrs. Harris?" The other directors from Yancey Bank also stood up, comparing the pictures on the screen with those on their laptops. They were the same.

Claude's face became tense and serious. Angus demanded immediately, "What are these pictures about, Mr. Pearce? What's your relationship with Mrs. Harris?"

The room filled with gasps and murmurs. Claude was the new leader of Yancey Bank, and his actions represented the company. Any scandal could hurt the company's reputation and, in turn, the interests of the board. This was even more critical since it involved the Harrises.

The host of the meeting was just as shocked by the unexpected photos. She tried to turn off the computer to get rid of them, but despite pressing the button repeatedly, the photos stayed on the screen. Angus pressed on, "Mr. Pearce, could you explain your relationship with Mrs. Harris?"

More of his supporters joined in, "You're supposed to be the Harrises' son-in-law, but here you are, caught in photos with Mrs. Harris. This shouldn't be happening at our company. You're the vice president, representing our future. How did this happen? Can you explain these photos?"

Claude stood on the stage, facing the board of directors and their growing demands for an explanation. Some of his long-time supporters also began to demand answers.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

He looked around at everyone's faces, feeling betrayed. He knew Tyler was behind this, either as a warning or a ploy to get him to resign. He couldn't believe Tyler sacrificed his family and Olivia's reputation just to fight him.

Despite his disappointment, Claude remained composed and faced the crowd courageously.

Angus threatened, "If you don't explain this, for the company's future and our collective interest, I will ask the board of directors to remove you from your position as vice president!"

Claude, still composed, asked Angus, "What do you mean by that?"

Angus pushed him further, "Can you explain these pictures then?"

"Why don't you ask Tyler?" Claude retorted.

Claude glanced at the host and instructed, "Turn off the computer." As they couldn't shut it down, it became clear that the computer had been hacked.

Just then, Lilah ran to the main switch and pulled the plug directly.