Chapter 6: The Accusation

LILY

I was getting familiar with the company's quieter side. The office's hustle and bustle faded as I explored the corners of the building. I was able to appreciate the company's charms because of its quietness. While I dusted the large desk in Maverick's office, I could almost visualize him sitting there, orchestrating the employees with a single command.

He wasn't in his office due to an important meeting. With that, I took the opportunity to look at the personal items on his desk. The framed photos and handwritten notes gave me a glimpse into his life outside of work, adding a touch to his professional persona.

The vibrant colors and iconic images on the movie posters even boosted a personal touch to Maverick's office, reflecting his love for cinema and perhaps his adventurous spirit.

'Oh, how I wish my works would have their poster someday.' I admired his collection so much that I could help but wonder if they held any significance to his life. Either way, they contributed to the workspace's unique and inspiring atmosphere.

After a couple of hours of cleaning, Jack and I finished cleaning his office. We then headed downstairs to attend to the other rooms.

"It's great you're here with me, Lily, to help. Couldn't finish all the work done without you." Jack's voice broke through my whirlwind as we reached the common hall.

 He had been working at the studio for decades, and his stories of cinema's golden age never failed to captivate me.

I politely replied, "It's nothing, Jack. Just doing my work."

He nodded. "I know. But I'm still grateful that you're here, Lily. It's not just about the work you do but also the company you provide. It gets lonely here sometimes, and having someone like you around makes a big difference."

I shrugged modestly, trying to brush off his gratitude.

Jack smiled warmly at me as he continued talking, "Honestly, I don't know why you're in the cleaning department. You should be working with the production team. I see your interest in it," he said encouragingly.

My eyes widened at his remark. "H-How did you..."

The man gave me a knowing smile. "Well, I always see how your eyes light up every time you check out those crumpled papers in the trash bin."

Shocked at his sharp observation, I stuttered, "O-Oh! Well, I'm just..."

We were immediately interrupted when Lindsay's harsh voice cut through the quiet hallway. My heart leaped when I saw her striding toward us, her hand jutting on her waist.

"Is she heading toward us?" I asked Jack while my eyes were still fixed on Lindsay.

Jack winced. "It looks like it, Lily."

A look of apprehension replaced her usually confident demeanor. Her eyes were wide, and a thin line of sweat dotted her forehead.

"Lily White!" she snapped, her voice echoing in the deserted hallway. "You were in Mr. Hauss' office last night, right?"

She suddenly outburst, and I looked at Jack before turning to Lindsay. "Y-yes, Ma'am. But I didn't stay there longer since Mr. Hauss is still in his office."

Despite my explanation, Lindsay pressed on. "Where's the file? It was on his coffee table. Did you steal it?"

Confusion knotted in my stomach. "What file? I didn't touch any files, Ma'am. I was only there briefly to clean and saw no file on his coffee table."

Lindsay's eyes flashed with triumph and accusation as she ignored my confusion. "You were the last person in his office, Lily. It had to be you!"

The drama escalated when Sir Maverick's secretary rushed towards us, her face pale while clutching her phone. "Lindsay, Sir Maverick's on the line. He—"

'Shit. What's happening? What file is Lindsay even talking about? I barely wandered on his desk.' I bit my lips as I gazed from Jennifer to Lindsay.

But Lindsay dismissed her with a wave of her hand. "Tell Mr. Maverick that I know who's the culprit. I got the matter on hand, and he shouldn't worry about it."

Jennifer replied, " But sir, I think it's important that you speak with him. He sounded urgent and mentioned something about sensitive information being leaked."

My heart raced as I wondered what kind of trouble we had encountered.

"I swear. I have no idea about it," I reasoned with conviction.

But before Lindsay could respond, a familiar voice echoed down the hallway. All eyes turned to the source of the voice. Maverick stood at the hallway entrance, his commanding presence demanding immediate attention.

'I thought he was out? Why is he here with us?'

He strode towards us with purpose, his eyes narrowing as he took in the tense atmosphere. His piercing gaze scanned the crowd before landing on Lindsay, Jennifer, and me.

"What's going on here? Have you found the file I'm looking for?" he demanded, his voice cutting through the silence. "I'm waiting!"

Lindsay hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between Maverick and me. She took a deep breath, summoning the courage to speak.

"There's been an incident," she finally replied, her voice steady but filled with concern.

Maverick's eyes narrowed further, his jaw clenching as he absorbed her words. "Incident? What do you me, Miss Anderson? Don't tell me you lost it!"

Terrified at Maverick's anger, Lindsay stammered, "Sir Maverick, Lily White, the new cleaner, stole the files on your desk."

"What?" I managed to croak out the word, barely a whisper. "That's not true! I swear I've nothing to do with it!"

Maverick's gaze was fixed on me now, his striking blue eyes piercing like a cold winter sky. He studied me momentarily as if trying to decipher the truth written all over my face.

"You're the janitor who cleaned in my office yesterday. Where is it?" He finally spoke, breaking the tension-filled silence.

"Yes, sir." I stuttered, my voice shaky. "But I didn't steal anything!"

Lindsay scoffed at my plea, a cruel smirk playing on her lips. "So, you're denying it? Convenient, considering you were the last one to leave his office."

I tried to counter her words, but my voice came out in a choked whisper. I glanced at Jack for support, but he looked as shocked and speechless as I felt.

"Then, if you didn't take it, then who did?" Maverick asked, his voice steady but firm. His gaze never left mine, his eyes holding an edge of steel that was terrifying and intriguing all at once.

"I-I don't know, sir. I swear I took nothing," I murmured, a desperate plea in my eyes. "You can check my locker, my bag, everything."

Maverick's expression remained unchanged, his suspicion evident. "We will thoroughly investigate this matter," he stated, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "But until then, you will be under close observation."

I caved in, deterring my chin. "I—I understand, Sir."

He held my gaze for a moment longer before returning to his secretary. "Jennifer, go to the security department. I want to see the CCTV footage. Now!"

Right there, Jennifer hurried off to fulfill his command. Meanwhile, Lindsay slyly grinned as she said, "Serves you right. Mia's right! You're a damn thief! Grab your things, Miss White, because this is the last day you'll work here."

I felt anger and disbelief as Lindsay's words echoed in the room.

'How could she accuse me of stealing?'

****

MAVERICK

"Sir, the CCTV footage is as you requested," she said, handing me the flash drive.

"Good," I said, my tone brisk. "Let's see what we can find."

I took it from her and inserted it into the computer. As the video started playing, I found myself strangely apprehensive.

The recording was from two days ago and was a panoramic view of my office. There was Lily with Jack, wrapping up their cleaning tasks for the day. Lily's face was focused on determination, and her posture exuded a quiet strength I hadn't noticed before.

Admittedly, at first sight, I had paid little attention to Lily in my office. But when I saw her, I recognized her as the woman we hit months ago. Yes, she was pretty, with her large, expressive eyes and delicate features, but I'd always been a man who prized competence over beauty. And as far as I knew, she was just a cleaner.

"I believe it's not Ms. White, Sir Maverick," Jennifer said as she stood behind me.

I didn't reply as I watched while the video continued, depicting nightly routines through the wee hours of the morning. Things started getting interesting when the clock showed it was early morning.

Lindsay entered the frame, darting over her shoulder before entering my office. She disappeared into my office for a moment, reappearing a moment later with a file in her hand—the confidential file, I assumed.

Watching the footage, I felt a mix of emotions.

"Why would she do this?" I muttered to myself, feeling regretful for doubting Lily.

Meanwhile, Jennifer shifted uncomfortably, breaking my attention from the video. "What should we do now, sir?"

I paused for a moment, contemplating the situation. Lindsay lied. With an exasperated sigh, I replied, "Get Miss Anderson in my office. Now!"