The independent audit concluded a full two days ahead of its deadline, and the report that landed on Alexander's desk was unambiguous in a way Elena hadn't quite dared to hope for.
The badge spoofing device had left a signature the forensic team recognized — proprietary hardware, expensive, traceable to a small number of specialized suppliers who serviced corporate intelligence contractors almost exclusively. Cross-referenced against Gavin's earlier work identifying Damien Cole, the picture that emerged was clear enough that even Lady Eleanor, reviewing the findings in a follow-up board session, couldn't find meaningful ground to contest it.
"The evidence conclusively shows Ms. Hayes's credentials were compromised through external means, not misused by her directly," the lead auditor sta
