Chapter 41: You Stole the Drawings

"What's the matter?" Nina and Bernice turned to look at Annabel askance. They were trying to conceal their dissatisfaction.

"Let's talk about this now," Annabel said, holding up the blank sheets she'd found in her folder. Nina felt guilty upon seeing them.

"What do you mean?"

Annabel walked to Rupert and handed him the sheets. "The drawings I kept in the folder are gone, replaced with these blank sheets. Mr. Benton, don't you think something strange is going on?"

Rupert placed the sheets on the conference table, his slender fingers tapping impatiently. It was obvious someone had stolen the drawings. Few people had access, and Annabel was meticulous; she wouldn't let just anyone handle such important documents. There were only two possibilities:

One, someone replaced the drawings to make Annabel look foolish. Rupert wouldn't let that person go unpunished.

Two, Annabel herself had switched them. But why? The case was certainly intriguing.

Finally, Rupert said, "I'll ask Finley to investigate."

"Yes, sir," Finley replied respectfully.

Annabel explained, "Before going to the airport, I checked the file. The drawings were there. After returning, I brought the file to the conference room. As you saw, they'd been replaced with blank sheets. Someone must have done it while I was away."

"Annabel, you lost the drawings and are trying to frame others! That's all!" Nina retorted, flustered by Rupert's intervention. She knew his ruthlessness; if he discovered her guilt, the consequences would be severe. A shiver ran down her spine.

"What? You think I lost the drawings?" Annabel sneered. "Then why would I replace them with blank sheets? Do you think everyone is as stupid as you?"

"What do you mean?" Nina demanded, feigning calm. She believed her actions were undiscovered.

"If you don't want people to know something, the best way is not to do it," Annabel replied.

Nina's heart pounded. She stole a glance at the impassive, sharp-eyed Rupert, then quickly looked away.

"II don't know what you're talking about," Nina stammered. "I have other things to do. This meeting is over, Annabel. I haven't time to waste." She stood to leave.

"Stop!" Annabel shouted, her voice cold and harsh. "Nina, why the rush? Guilty conscience?"

"Guilty conscience? Why would I feel guilty?" Nina scoffed.

"Because you had someone steal the drawings!" Annabel declared.

Nina's expression shifted, but she defiantly retorted, "Annabel, don't make malicious accusations. Do you know what slander is?"

"Slander?" Annabel chuckled, unsurprised. She knew Nina wouldn't easily confess, but denial was futile. Annabel was prepared; she would expose Nina. "I have evidence you initiated this," she said confidently.

Rupert rose, his expression cold. He glanced at Annabel and said indifferently, "Since you have evidence, present it." He then turned to Nina and Bernice. "Come back and sit down!"

Nina returned to the table, nervous. Could Annabel have evidence? It was impossible! Everything was secret and flawless.

"Do you have proof I stole the drawings? Annabel, I warn you, slander is a serious offense! You can't frame me!" Nina took a deep breath.

"Funny," Annabel scoffed. "Mr. Benton is here. Why the anxiety? If you didn't do it, he won't act. But he won't let anyone harm the company's interests. Mr. Benton, am I right?"

Rupert raised an eyebrow and nodded slightly. It seemed Annabel had evidence. His fiancée was increasingly intriguing. He'd asked Finley to investigate, but it seemed unnecessary now. He'd let Annabel handle it. One question remained: why had Nina done this? She was usually competent, albeit arrogant. Why damage the company's interests and frame Annabel? Especially as departmental director—it would harm her career.

Seeing Rupert's approval, Annabel cleared her throat. "Let's get to the point. I've narrowed down the timeframe. I only need to check the surveillance footage during that period to see who did it."

Nina shrieked, "But the surveillance camera was broken, wasn't it?"

"Oh, was it? You pay attention to such trifles," Annabel sneered. The camera in Annabel's office had indeed been broken the previous day—deliberately, by Nina.

Realizing her slip, Nina quickly said, "I don't know anything about it. I heard it from others."

"But did you also hear it's been repaired?" Annabel asked, smiling. She'd secretly had it fixed.

"Really?" Nina asked, surprised, her voice trembling. She'd damaged the camera; how could it be repaired so quickly?

Rupert narrowed his eyes and ordered Finley, "Retrieve the surveillance footage."