However, after waiting for two hours for a refund without success, he realised the situation had escalated beyond control. He hurried to the bank to lodge a complaint and safeguard his funds. Upon entering the bank, Samuel vociferously addressed the customer service staff, "I was debited a substantial sum this morning, and I cannot recall authorising any transactions. I have waited for two hours for a refund, yet to no avail. If you are aware of what has occurred regarding my money, I suggest you initiate the refund process immediately; otherwise, I shall pursue legal action against this bank." The customer service employees were taken aback, and one staff member, Ella, promptly responded, "Sir, please calm down and explain to us exactly what transpired, as your agitation is causing confusion. We are all perplexed and unaware of the situation." "Do not instruct me to calm down; my money was stolen this morning, and you expect me to remain composed? Are you out of your mind?" Samuel
“I trust you are all aware of our VIP client Samuel's report of fraud. I would like each of you to halt whatever tasks you are currently undertaking and trace the transactions on his account from today. Here are his details, and I expect all of you to report back to me before the end of the day,” the bank manager commanded. Ella then asked, “Excuse me, sir, but what amount are we investigating?” “Good question. Five billion pounds was withdrawn from his account at precisely 8:15 AM today,” the bank manager replied. “Oh my goodness, who would dare to steal such a significant sum from a VIP client? That is utterly despicable,” Ella remarked. “That is precisely what we aim to uncover, so I require everyone's full attention,” the bank manager stated before walking away. Steven felt a sense of satisfaction, though he pondered why he had chosen to use a VIP customer’s funds to frame Ethan; the rationale was known only to him. An announcement was made instructing all customers to leave
as the computer he relied on was malfunctioning, Ethan signed out and returned home. Steven felt elated, as he was nearing victory. When Ethan arrived home, he appeared frustrated and despondent. "Welcome home, my love. What troubles you?" Angela inquired. Ethan looked at her and, in a mumbling tone that reflected his sadness, explained, "One of my top VIP clients had five billion pounds stolen, and no one knows who is responsible. Everyone is doing their part, including me, but each time I attempt to assist, the network logs me out." "Oh, I am sorry to hear that. Perhaps you could use your laptop," Angela suggested. Ethan remained silent, as he preferred not to speak when feeling down. However, he opened his laptop to log in, only to discover that he could not access it. "I cannot even access my username and password anymore; I receive a message stating that my username and password do not exist," Ethan expressed. "Hmm, that is peculiar. You might try logging in using mine,"
"I have proof that I am innocent, I was unable to access my computer since yesterday, and my laptop was not functional when I returned home either. Steven can attest to this, as he was in my office yesterday, and I am pleased that he is present," Ethan stated. The bank manager then turned to Steven and asked, "Steven, is he telling the truth?" This was the moment Steven had been anticipating, as he wished to testify as a witness, and he finally had the opportunity. "That depends on the nature of the truth you are inquiring about, sir," Steven replied. "Were you with him yesterday at his office while he was attempting to log in as he claims?" the bank manager asked. "Yes, sir, I was present," Steven confirmed. Wyatt interjected, "At what exact time was he trying to log in unsuccessfully?" "At noon, after the incident had already occurred," Steven clarified. "It is noted here that our VIP customer, Samuel, was debited at precisely 8:15 AM, and your colleague Ethan was unable to
I am allowing you to leave without charges, not out of leniency, but to prevent this matter from escalating further and to avert jeopardising our branch’s operations. We have concluded that you are to be fired. So Ethan, you are fired!” Ethan was taken aback, rendered speechless by the proclamation. Numerous discussions had transpired, leading to the consensus that Ethan should be terminated to mitigate potential risks, as they were uncertain of his future actions. Ethan wept and pleaded for a second chance, saying, "Sir, please allow me the opportunity to prove my innocence." "It is already too late for that, Ethan. However, all your bank accounts will be frozen for six months, and the car and house that the bank provided will also be seized as a consequence of your actions, rather than facing imprisonment," the bank manager stated. The bank confiscated everything, leaving Ethan with nothing, prompting him to weep like a child as he begged for another chance to demonstrate his i
explain that I had been framed, but they refused to listen. They even inquired about the current balance in my bank account. When I provided the information, they checked my balance and discovered that the five billion pounds were in my account, leading them to conclude that I was a thief," Ethan explained through tears. "Oh my goodness, this is unbelievable," Alfie exclaimed. "The most frustrating part was that when I entered my details in their presence, I was able to log in successfully, which exacerbated the situation. I shouted that there had been a misunderstanding," Ethan recounted. "Did they not believe you?" Alfie asked. "They did not believe me; they accused me of fabricating stories. I even suggested they consult Steven, who could corroborate my account, as he was present when I attempted to access my account," Ethan said. "Did he support your claims?" Alfie questioned. "Yes, he did. He informed them of what he witnessed," Ethan explained. "And what did he say?" Alfi
that something was amiss. "My love, have you been crying? Your eyes are swollen, and your face appears dull," Angela remarked. "There is something I need to discuss with you," Ethan stated. "Please, speak to me; I am here to listen," Angela encouraged. Ethan began, "Do you recall the issue regarding one of our regular VIP customers that I mentioned yesterday?" "You mean the VIP client who was defrauded of five billion pounds?" Angela responded. "Precisely," Ethan confirmed. "What about him?" Angela asked swiftly. "I have been accused of defrauding him of that amount," Ethan revealed. "What?!" Angela exclaimed. Ethan began to weep. "Did you not explain your innocence to them?" Angela asked. "I did, but they refused to listen," Ethan declared. "Who do you mean by 'they'?" Angela inquired. "The bank manager and the board of directors," Ethan replied. "Is that the source of your distress?" Angela asked. Ethan swallowed hard and responded, "No, that is not the only issue; I
said, feigning ignorance. Upon hearing this, Angela became quite irate, rolling her eyes and taking a deep breath. Ethan remained silent until Steven promptly inquired, "What do you plan to do regarding the individual who has framed you?" Ethan glanced at Angela and replied, "Nothing; I do not even know who it was." Angela smiled, pleased with Ethan's response, as it indicated that, at present, everyone was a potential suspect. "Very well, I trust you have eaten?" Steven expressed his concern. "I have not," Ethan responded. "Why is that?" Steven asked. "Ah, you should not be asking that; who would have an appetite under such circumstances?" Ethan retorted. "Ethan, it is essential that you eat. What has transpired cannot be changed, but you must nourish yourself to regain your strength. Just look at how much weight you have lost in less than twenty-four hours," Steven advised. "I will eat later; I am simply not hungry at the moment," Ethan replied. "Alright then, I suppose I
"Thank you for your understanding, ma’am," Ethan expressed gratefully as he returned to sit with Harper. Without posing any inquiries to Ethan, Harper erupted into laughter. "Haha, I was aware she would not pay you any attention, and now you have embarrassed yourself. I attempted to dissuade you, but you disregarded my advice. Drink up; let us return home," Harper chuckled while giving instructions. "Hehe, and who claimed she did not give me her attention? Allow me to astonish you; she will be joining us shortly," Ethan retorted. "Are you being serious at this moment?" Harper asked, amused. "Certainly I am," Ethan replied with confidence. "Wow, how did you manage that?" Harper inquired eagerly. "I employed my initiative and the strategies I shared with you," Ethan responded. At that moment, Sophie approached and sat down with them, leaving Harper astounded. "Ethan, I am here," Sophie announced. "Thank you for keeping your word," Ethan expressed his gratitude. Sophie smiled
all motivated by a desire for tranquility at work, correct?" Harper asked. "Indeed, it was a source of distress for me, as each morning when I awoke and prepared to go to work, I felt a profound sadness knowing that I had an adversary. I was apprehensive that he might choose to eliminate me at some point. However, I was unaware that his intentions would manifest when he drew closer to me. All I desired in my workplace was the freedom to breathe and to feel at ease, without the burden of enemies. This was the reason I accepted his apology and agreed to befriend him immediately," Ethan elucidated. "Is it accurate to say that you chose to embrace a state of peace and naivety towards him solely for the sake of tranquillity?" Harper inquired. "Precisely, although I was unaware of the implications of my actions. Nonetheless, I find myself in a position where I must accept my circumstances," Ethan replied. "Hmm, observe the consequences of your quest for peace of mind," Harper remarked w
him until my first promotion, after which everything changed. His behaviour shifted, leading to feelings of animosity and jealousy, and ultimately resulting in my current predicament,” Ethan elaborated. “Please, be gentle with yourself. You earned that promotion through hard work and determination. You erred in befriending your adversary, but as I mentioned, it was not your fault, as you could not have predicted these events,” Harper clarified. "While I acknowledge this, I must question the benefits of the promotions I received; had I not been promoted, none of these events would have transpired," Ethan lamented. "In that scenario, you would have declined the promotions when they were offered to you," Harper asserted. "I made an effort to do so, yet the bank manager insisted that I deserved the advancements. I had no foreknowledge that it would lead to this outcome; had I been aware, I would have persuaded him to confer the promotions upon someone else. I suppose I was merely
saying, “Here you go.” “Thank you,” Charlotte expressed her gratitude. Ethan nodded as he sat down, and a momentary silence ensued until Charlotte broke it by saying, “Ethan, I wanted to ask how everything transpired between you and Steven.” Ethan feigned ignorance. “What are you referring to?” Ethan questioned. “Well, a month ago, you and two of your friends visited my home seeking information about Steven. When I inquired why you needed such information, you indicated that you suspected he was involved in framing you. I requested feedback, yet I have not heard from you since,” Charlotte elucidated. Ethan found it necessary to prevaricate, as he wished to conceal from Charlotte the fact that Steven was responsible for framing him; he also aimed to prevent her from pursuing legal action against Steven, as he preferred to seek retribution on his own. "Ah, well, we conducted our investigation and discovered that he was not involved. I did not wish to cause you undue stress, which
from me," Steven mused to himself. Meanwhile, Angela, intrigued, immediately asked, "My love, what did Steven say he wanted this time?" "Actually, he called me yesterday regarding an issue with his bank manager, and I encouraged him to apologise," Ethan replied. "Hmm, I do not wish to know the specifics of his issue with the bank manager; whatever predicament he finds himself in, he undoubtedly deserves it," Angela remarked. Ethan smiled and said, "My love, please remain calm. I am aware you have a dislike for Steven, and he has indeed received his just desserts. I only wish he would encounter further difficulties at work." "You can say that again," Angela concurred. "Let us take a nap; I am quite exhausted," Ethan suggested. "With pleasure," Angela replied happily. Conversely, Steven remained profoundly distressed, as he aspired to secure a promotion that the bank manager was reluctant to grant. Furthermore, he contemplated ways to dispose of the manager but realised he could
"My love, ignoring her calls will not resolve anything. Simply answer and ascertain the reason for her call, and act as though everything is normal," Angela urged. When Olivia called again, Ethan finally answered. "Hello, dear sister," Ethan greeted. "Good day, big brother. I have been attempting to reach you, but you have not been responding," Olivia retorted. "I apologise for that; I was occupied," Ethan replied. "It has been a while since I heard from you, and you seldom call, so I decided to reach out today to see how you are faring," Olivia said. "I am doing well. And you?" Ethan inquired. "I am faring well, and I am reaching out to you as I require financial assistance for my tuition fees and monthly expenses. I spoke with Father, and he informed me that he has yet to receive his salary, insisting that I contact you," Olivia explained. Upon hearing this, Ethan was taken aback, while Angela subtly encouraged him to continue the conversation. "Um, how much do you
which is why I have chosen to withdraw. Since that time, I have been apprehensive about entering another relationship, as I am uncertain of the behaviour the next woman I date may exhibit, and I am unwilling to subject my parents or relatives to further humiliation," Alfie elucidated. "I understand your sentiments, but do not dismiss the possibility that you have yet to encounter the right woman. It is not obligatory to marry anyone you date; take the time to truly understand her before making such a commitment. Moreover, why the urgency to marry?" Ethan inquired. "Ethan, how long should one date a woman before proposing marriage? I was in a relationship with Gloria for a year and with Lucy for eight months. Ultimately, it seems inconsequential. I have come to realise that neither was truly compatible with me, which is why I adhere to the adage, 'Man proposes, God disposes.' However, as I am now in my thirties, I seek companionship and someone to call my own. This is why I desired t
indicating that we would depart at dawn. When I asked why we could not take an evening flight, he mentioned he was expecting someone, to which I agreed and then retired to my room to rest,” Alfie continued. “Please, go on. I am all ears,” Ethan encouraged. The following morning, which was two days prior to my wedding, I awoke and awaited his arrival to call me so we could board our flight back. However, he did not come. Nonetheless, I chose not to disturb him, as I was under the impression that we would be departing from Vancouver that day. Consequently, I picked up my phone and call my fiancée, Lucy, who informed me that she was en route home with her friends. Shortly thereafter, Calvin knocked on my door, expressing a desire to speak with me," Alfie recounted. "What did he say? I trust he has not changed his mind about being your best man?" Ethan inquired eagerly. "Not at all, he had a different matter to discuss," Alfie responded with a laugh. "Very well, what was the nature
other four friends arrived and inquired why I had injured Levi, I explained the situation, and when they asked who my fiancée was, I stated it was Gloria. Can you guess what happened next?" Alfie continued his narrative. “What!” Ethan exclaimed. The group erupted into laughter, and one of them named Mike asserted that Levi was indeed correct, claiming he could attest to this because he had been intimate with her on multiple occasions. The other three concurred, laughing heartily as Mike informed me that they all had been involved with her, thereby justifying Levi's label of her as promiscuous, which Alfie recounted with evident sorrow. “Oh my goodness, that is quite troubling. Did you confront her about it?” Ethan inquired. “Indeed, I did, but she denied everything,” Alfie replied. “They will invariably deny such allegations. What actions did you take next?” Ethan pressed. “Well, I informed my friends that they were lying. Mike then reassured me, stating that he would invite her