"Sir, we have been targeted by a corporate espionage attack." Clara talks in a low voice, feeling apprehensive.
As Clara's comments hung weighty in the air, Grayson's mouth tightened, and his eyes narrowed into sharp slits. His appearance radiated power but under his cool façade, a storm developed.
"Corporate espionage?" Grayson kept repeating, his voice low and menacing. Leaning forward in his chair, he had fingers intertwined. "Explain."
Clara gasped sharply and set a file on his desk. Two hours earlier, our systems found illegal access to the Monarch Enterprises server. Access to client databases, financial estimates, and private plans allowed portions of the data to be duplicated.
Grayson's gaze hardened as he opened the file. The report detailed the incident, timestamps, and a list of compromised files. His palm curled into a fist as he flipped over the pages. "Who's behind this?"
Clara hesitated. "We traced the IP address to a private network, but the signal was rerouted multiple times. However, we've noticed suspicious activities from within the organisation. Someone inside is feeding external sources."
"A mole," Grayson snarled, his voice dripping with malice.
"Yes, sir," Clara responded anxiously, her hands grabbing the edge of the chair. "And... the data they've taken could cripple us if it's leaked or sold."
Grayson leaned back in his chair, tapping his temple as he peered into the distance. The hush in the room was deafening. Clara moved uneasily under his harsh look.
"Clara," he finally murmured, his voice unnervingly calm. "Do you have any suspects?"
She nodded. "Victor, sir. We observed his activities extensively following the last occurrence. He's been sending encrypted emails to an anonymous account. We believe he's still in communication with Richards."
Grayson gave out a sour chuckle, shaking his head. "Of course. The snake slithers back to its pit."
"What should we do, sir?" Clara asked, her voice shaking.
Grayson stood, towering over the desk like a shadow of authority. "We'll play this carefully. Let him think he's in control. But this time, we won't just trap him—we'll dismantle the entire operation he's part of."
Clara nodded, but another knock arrived at the door before she could react. Sarah stepped in; her expression was as keen as ever.
"I heard about the breach," Sarah replied, glancing between Grayson and Clara. "What's the plan?"
Grayson's gaze softened momentarily as he stared at Sarah, but the anger returned almost quickly. "The plan is to stop Richards once and for all. But this time, I need someone who can outsmart him on every level."
Sarah smirked. "I take it you're talking about me?"
Grayson permitted himself the slightest smile. "You're the only one I trust to handle this. Richards doesn't know you're involved. That's our advantage."
Sarah crossed her arms, a flash of determination in her eyes. "Then let's make sure this mole learns what happens when they cross you."
Hours later, Grayson was now watching the live stream of Victor's cubicle using hidden cameras. Clara had surreptitiously put a tracker on Victor's workstation, allowing them to observe his every move.
Sarah leaned on the desk, sipping a cup of coffee. "What's the plan when we catch him? Public humiliation or... something quieter?"
Grayson gazed at her, his expression unreadable. "Public humiliation is a mercy. I want him to feel the weight of his treachery. But more importantly, I want Richards to know that I don't lose."
Sarah nodded, her lips curving into a wicked smile. "Good. I'd hate to see you go easy on him."
Suddenly, the screen flickered. Victor's PC lit up when he opened an encrypted email. Clara's team had already hacked into his messages, decrypting them in real-time.
"There it is," Grayson replied, his voice like steel.
The notification read: "The package has been sent. Richards wants assurance of the next step."
Victor typed back quickly:
"Understood. I'll forward the last step tonight."
Grayson's jaw stiffened. "He's about to deliver the nail in our coffin."
Clara's voice came via the intercom. "Sir, we've intercepted Victor's signal. He's trying to upload the files directly to an external server."
Grayson stood swiftly, his chair scrapping across the floor. "Shut it down. Now."
"Already on it, sir," Clara said.
Sarah clutched Grayson's arm. "Wait. Don't shut it down totally. Let him assume the upload is working. We need to see where it's going and who's on the other end."
Grayson pondered for a second before nodding. "Do it."
Victor sat at his desk, unaware that every keystroke was being observed. His lips twisted into a smug grin as the progress bar on his screen filled.
But just as it hit 100%, his screen froze. A single line of text appeared: "You've been caught. Come to my office. Now."
Victor's smug expression evaporated, replaced with genuine dread. He turned his head, discovering two security guards behind him.
"Mr. Grayson would like a word," one of them remarked coldly.
In Grayson's office, Victor was forced into a chair, sweat streaming down his forehead. Grayson loomed over him, his expression colder than ever.
"Do you think I'm stupid, Victor?" Grayson said, his voice unnaturally calm.
"I... I don't know what you're talking about," Victor mumbled.
Grayson threw his fists on the desk, making Victor flinch. "Don't lie to me. I've seen the emails. I know you've been working with Richards. Now, tell me everything—or you won't leave this building."
Victor's resolve crumbled. "Fine! Richards paid me to sabotage the company. He promised me a place on his board once the takeover was complete."
Grayson smirked, leaning closer. "And did he promise to protect you when I found out?"
Victor paled, recognizing the enormity of his situation. "I'll do anything you want! Please, don't—"
Grayson raised a hand, silencing him. "You'll work for me now. You'll feed Richards false information and lead him into the trap I've devised. One misstep, Victor, and I'll make sure no one hears from you again. Understood?"
Victor nodded frantically. "Understood, sir."
Grayson straightened, straightening his suit. "Good. Now get out of my sight."