Cut Off the Three Million

Chapter 4

Aziel never did pay off the full balance before the celebration banquet.

He only transferred six thousand six hundred to me.

The banquet was held in one of Everlast's function halls.

When I arrived, Aziel was standing on the stage giving a speech. Sharp suit, putting on quite the show.

"I want to thank the company for this opportunity, and also thank Vice President Langley and Miss Langley for your constant support."

Cressida Langley sat in the front row, smiling with obvious satisfaction.

Vice President Langley sat at the head table, looking as proud as could be of his promising future son-in-law.

Up on stage, Aziel kept speaking, "From research and modeling to delivering the final proposal, our team worked nonstop for three months. Every slide, every data set, reflects everyone's hard work and dedication."

When Aziel finished, applause broke out.

The host smiled and said, "Now, I invite Vice President Langley to present the award to the project team."

Vice President Langley walked onto the stage and handed the trophy to Aziel himself. "Young man, capable, and responsible too."

Aziel accepted it with both hands. "Thank you, Vice President Langley, for your guidance."

Cressida clapped from below, her eyes fixed almost entirely on him.

Partway through the banquet, Cressida walked over to me with a glass in her hand. "Miss Waverly."

I looked up. "Can I help you?"

She set a glass of red wine down beside me. "Aziel has transferred the money to you, hasn't he?"

"He sent six thousand six hundred," I said, glancing down at my phone before looking back up.

She frowned. "I thought it was one hundred and twenty-six thousand?"

"Perhaps Manager Wistar struggles with math," I said, my tone calm and even.

Cressida's expression hardened.

Aziel stepped up behind her and heard me. He lowered his voice at once. "What exactly do you want?"

"Pay me back. Apologize. Admit the proposal was mine," I said, meeting his gaze without flinching.

He laughed.

"In your dreams," he sneered.

Cressida's face turned cold as well.

Vice President Langley had come over without either of us noticing. "What is all this shouting about?"

Aziel adjusted his expression instantly. "Vice President Langley, it's nothing. Riley is just… rather upset."

Vice President Langley looked at me, his brows drawing together. "And you are the new auditor?"

"I am," I said, standing straight and steady.

"Then do your job properly. The company gives young people opportunities not to bring personal feelings into the workplace," he said, his voice sharp with disapproval.

I asked, "Are you aware the proposal may involve copyright infringement?"

His face darkened. "Do you have proof?"

"I do," I said, nodding confidently.

"Then follow proper procedure. Don't make a scene here," he warned.

He gestured toward security. "Escort her out."

A flicker of triumph showed in Aziel's eyes.

Cressida leaned close to him and said quietly, "Aziel, don't pay her any mind. She just can't accept how things turned out."

I stayed seated.

The security guard stepped in front of me. "Ma'am, this way please."

Every eye in the room turned toward me.

Just then, the function hall doors swung open.

My father walked in, followed by the board secretary and the head of the legal department.

Vice President Langley's face changed. He hurried forward to greet him. "Chairman Waverly, what brings you here?"