CHAPTER TWENTY NINE – RIGHT TO DEFEND HER INNOCENCE

Back in the office, Karina could feel the weight of her colleagues' stares as she made her way to her desk. Whispers followed in her wake, the office buzzing with the latest developments in the scandal. Elena approached cautiously, concern etched on her face. "Karina? Are you okay? We heard about... well, you know." Karina managed a weak smile. "I'm fine, Elena. Just... processing everything." Before Elena could respond, Miguel's voice cut through the office chatter. "Ms. Zaslav. My office, now." Karina steeled herself as she followed Miguel into his office, where he closed the door behind them. "Sit," he commanded, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. As Karina complied, she noticed the tension in Miguel's posture, the tight set of his jaw. He paced behind his desk for a moment before speaking. "I hope you understand the position your brother has put us in," he began, his voice carefully controlled. "The board is demanding immediate action. They want Alex arrested and c