CEO's Passion: Love by Mistake

Chapter 51

Natalie smiled and told Ashley, “All right, please come with me. Mr. Shane is looking for you.”

“Why?”

“You’ll know soon enough,” Natalie replied grimly before she left.

The anxiety in Ashley grew as she put her pencil down and followed Natalie to Jasmine’s office.

The supervisor’s expression changed as soon as she saw Ashley.

Natalie noticed that and pursed her lips as if nothing had happened. “Ms. Jasmine, may I use your computer?”

Shane answered instead. “Go ahead.” This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Jasmine moved the computer towards Natalie who then inserted a USB drive and beckoned for Ashley’s attention.

“Look at these security footages.”

Ashley trembled with fear, and her face turned pale at those words. She knew they had caught her in the act.

Afraid that Ashley might reveal any information, Jasmine shot her a warning look.

Although Natalie noticed the interaction between the two, she did not expose them. She showed the security footages to Ashley.

The first recording was captured two days ago when Natalie stepped away from her desk to collect Ashley’s medicine from the infirmary. In her absence, Ashley accessed her computer to locate the design drafts and other relevant files.

The second recording showed that Ashley arrived at the office after nine in the evening. She wiped off the fingerprints left during the day with a wet towel and put on gloves before she deleted the files and stole the drafts on Natalie’s computer.

Everything was clear then.

Shane looked at Natalie as he tapped his fingers on the desk. “How will you handle this?”

Natalie took a deep breath and replied coldly, “Immediate termination. We should also release a statement about her crime to boycott her from the industry.”

At those words, Ashley went into a state of shock and fell limply on the floor. Jasmine did not expect Natalie to be so harsh. Her decision could ruin Ashley’s life.

“Natalie, don’t you think the punishment is unjustifiable? Can’t you suggest a forfeit of salary for a few months instead?” Jessica asked.

Natalie remained unfazed as she stared at Ashley who sat dejectedly on the floor. “No! As a fashion designer, you know very well that stealing and plagiarism are taboos in this industry. You should pay the price for your actions.”

Plagiarism?

This word infuriated Jasmine as she knew Natalie was trying to imply that she plagiarized her design.

Unsatisfied with the decision, Jasmine pointed at Natalie and asked Shane, “Is it necessary to ruin Ashley’s life?”

“She did the right thing,” he said approvingly.

Shane admired Natalie’s intelligence and how she kept her cool. She retrieved the security recordings in such a short time and imposed an appropriate punishment on the offender while maintaining her neutrality. There was no display of unnecessary emotions.

Jasmine felt incredulous after she heard Shane’s comment. “What? You agree with her?”

Shane nodded. “I would do the same too.”

Natalie was pleased and thanked Shane for his compliment and support.

Frankly, she doubted she could fire Ashley. After all, she was only a supporting staff.