Ethan replied coldly. “You are going to hand over your master keycard, your corporate laptop, and your office keys immediately. You are suspended effective immediately, pending a forensic digital audit of that server.”
Patricia gasped, covering her face. “Suspended? But sir, he—”
“The same goes for both of you,” Ethan said, turning his attention to the two receptionists. “Step away from the desk right now. Human Resources will contact you tomorrow morning regarding your termination packages. You will not be representing this brand for a single second longer.”
Patricia burst into heavy tears again. “Please, sir… I have kids to feed.”
Lupita closed her eyes tightly, clearly pained by the mention of family. Ethan, too, felt the weight of the child sleeping in his arms. But he refused to let emotional manipulation distort basic accountability.
“Having children didn’t give you the right to humiliate another parent tonight,” Ethan said softly
