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As Clay pondered how far he could push the lie, Valerie snapped her fingers, and the video resumed playing.

"Who are you, and who granted you access to the building?" Patricia’s voice was heard, though her face was not visible as the camera was pointed at the floor.

"Who I am is irrelevant, but the two of you are fired," Valerie’s voice rang out, followed by Clay’s.

"You can’t terminate our employment. You lack evidence and are not part of the management. We will deny everything you claim, and we are a team."

"It’s over, I confess, I’m sorry," Clay’s voice interrupted the video, but Valerie showed no signs of halting and responded promptly.

"You had your chance." The video continued playing, intensifying Clay and Patricia’s guilt.

"If you want to play hardball, then bring it on. I’ll be at the CEO’s office," Valerie’s voice echoed, followed by Clay’s.

"You’re nothing. Just another woman trying to catch the CEO’s eye. Don Denzel doesn’t have time for women like you. They never succeed."

The video concluded as Don Denzel approached Valerie and whispered to her.

"I think you’re being too lenient. I’ll take it from here." His tone left no room for negotiation, and though Valerie had not finished, she yielded to him.

The atmosphere in the room grew colder, instilling fear in them solely through Don Denzel’s menacing expression.

His voice was as icy as the winter breeze, as were his eyes. "I called this meeting to introduce you all to my wife, Valerie."

It was intriguing to witness the multitude of people blanch at Don Denzel’s words.

Aurora felt a surge of anger, realizing that after this, no one would dare to support her in opposing Valerie, and some might even betray her for what she had initiated.

"She decided to inspect the company on her first day and this is the disrespect she encountered." Denzel gestured towards the projections around the auditorium.

Clay wished he could vanish into thin air. It felt as though the very air he breathed had been snatched away.

Meanwhile, Don Denzel had not even begun. "Don, please, forgive me, I didn’t know."

As the manager from another branch who had come to the head office to handle some matters, his appearance now seemed pitiful as he sank to the floor, but he was far from garnering anyone’s sympathy at this moment.

Don Denzel felt a sharp pang in his chest due to the insult and disrespect Clay and Patricia had shown his wife, with Clay’s offense being more severe.

"May I pose a question?" Denzel inquired, and Clay fearfully nodded before lowering his head.

"What ordinary person can freely access every part of this building, huh? She even informed you she would be in my office, and how did you respond?"

From all angles, the path to redemption was blocked for Clay due to his actions and words.

Perhaps his lust had blinded him entirely, and now that everything was laid bare, only shame and regret enveloped his face.

"Don, please, I was wrong," Clay apologized, but Denzel had no intention of forgiving him. If they were in the pack, he would have already cremated Clay’s body.

However, the human world operated differently, so Denzel would handle it in a human manner.

"Your punishment has already been determined by her. Are you prepared to hear it?"

Clay was too ashamed to meet Valerie’s gaze, but she spoke nonetheless.

"I simply don’t want him anywhere near any of our companies or branches. As I mentioned earlier, he’s fired, and so is she," Valerie declared, referring to Patricia.

"No, I did nothing wrong. Why should I be fired?" Patricia couldn’t accept it. She knew that Don Denzel paid handsomely, and she doubted any other company would compensate her as well.

"Engaging in sexual activities during working hours is a violation. HR, what is your stance on this?" Valerie inquired, prompting the HR manager to step forward.

Having worked with individuals like Alessia, it was evident that Valerie was even more severe.

"Ma’am, they should even compensate the company for the time wasted. We could also pursue charges of character defamation because not only did he do that to you, but he also spread false rumors among his colleagues."

"Never mind. Terminating their employment without compensation suffices for me," Valerie said but Denzel did not agree with her this time.

"No. Provide the evidence to the company’s attorneys. They must face the consequences for what they did to my wife," Denzel stated.

Once again, the frost in his tone left no room for objection from Valerie. Clay and Patricia appeared as though their spirits had left their bodies, and Cordelia was pleased that her despicable boyfriend received his due.

They were escorted out of the hall before the doors were shut once more. Some employees who had seen Valerie earlier wore distressed expressions as Denzel proceeded to the next course of action.

"You must all understand that every employee in any of our branches is equally protected by the company. Those who engage in backbiting and malicious activities against their colleagues have also been exposed. All evidence will be forwarded to the HR office for appropriate action."

One of the cashiers emerged from the crowd and knelt before Valerie.

"Ma’am, please, I witnessed what happened. I promise not to engage in such behavior again. Can you forgive me and give me another chance?"

Aware of Valerie’s softer side towards women, Denzel responded on her behalf. "Security, remove her from here. HR will decide; that’s what they’re paid for."

The remaining culprits were sweating profusely, knowing that this cleanup would have severe repercussions.

"My wife, who is also a co-owner of this company, not only witnessed misconduct but also many commendable actions. Some of you have made significant contributions and worked tirelessly for the company’s growth and stability. For that, you deserve great rewards."

Those without ill intentions smiled at this point as Valerie singled out one individual.

"I observed many hardworking employees, but one woman stood out. I don’t know your name, so I had your picture sent to HR."

The HR Manager promptly identified her. "Ma’am, that’s Mary Thompson."

"Mary, I have recommended you for a double promotion. Keep up the excellent work, and this company will reward you handsomely."

Mary was so excited that she could not keep it in. "Madam Valerie, since you’ve proven to be an exceptional boss, I can’t stand by and watch your enemies plot against you," Mary said emotionally, catching Denzel’s attention.

"What are you referring to?" Denzel inquired, his gaze darkening once again in the process.