Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 268

"Of course," Clarence replied, puffing his chest out in a pathetic display of faux martyrdom. "When I made the decision to expose you, I knew exactly what the consequences would be. But what does my personal career matter when the integrity of the entire company is at stake? If I have to sacrifice myself to cleanse Merit Biotech of your corruption, I have no regrets."

The truth was, even if Willow hadn't said it, he knew there was no going back. He had burned the bridge while standing on it.

First, he genuinely believed his forged files were bulletproof. Even though Arthur was Mr. Thorne's assistant, Clarence was convinced that any sane corporate leader presented with this level of 'evidence' would prioritize the company's bottom line over personal loyalties.

Second, Vivienne had promised him a golden parachute. She swore that as long as he pulled the trigger, she would protect him. Even if he was fired, she guaranteed him a new, high-paying executive role far better than his current one.

With those two safety nets in place, Clarence felt completely invincible.

"Good," Willow said firmly, cutting off his theatrical monologue. "Since you've made your bed, I won't waste my breath. However, I have a few files of my own that I think you should see."

Her expression remained serene, her voice steady and composed. There wasn't a trace of panic in her delivery; every word hit like a calculated strike.

Her absolute calm finally managed to crack Clarence's confidence. "What files?" he stammered, a flicker of panic bleeding into his voice.

Willow didn't bother answering. She calmly pulled up her own set of documents and projected them right next to his on the massive screen. "I'm sure you're very familiar with these."

Clarence's mind short-circuited. "Impossible!" he blurted out, pure panic taking the wheel. "You couldn't have known what I was going to do! You couldn't have backed them up!"

The words hung in the air. Every single person left in the room turned to stare at him, their expressions ranging from shock to absolute disgust.

Vivienne's reaction was the most volatile. Her face contorted with rage, her eyes burning with a hatred so intense she looked ready to murder him on the spot.

Realizing the massive confession he had just blurted out, Clarence frantically tried to backpedal. "I—I mean, stop trying to set me up! Prove it! I have hard, concrete evidence against you! What proof do you have that these files are mine?"