We're searching his locker and contacting authorities now. Webb's expression darkened. But there's more. He pulled up another image, a screenshot of an email from an anonymous account. This was sent to three business journalists 40 minutes ago before the incident.
Marcus read the text over Elena's shoulder. Claims that Hart Technologies had been falsifying financial records, inflating revenue numbers, deceiving investors. The timing suggests whoever sent it expected you to be in no position to defend yourself. Webb said the full picture clicked into place. This wasn't just an assassination attempt.
It was coordinated destruction. Kill Elena. Release damaging accusations. Tank the company's value all at once. "The allegations are false," Elena said flatly.
Our books are audited quarterly by independent firms, but proving that will take time and the accusation alone will damage investor confidence. Not if you're standing in front of cameras tomorrow morning very much alive with security footage showing an attempted murder that coincides with fraudulent allegations. Webb leaned forward. That's not whistleblowing. That's a conspiracy.
We need to find Porter before he disappears, Elena said. And I want to know who hired him. Someone with resources. Someone who understands this company well enough to coordinate this kind of attack. We're on it.
Webb nodded. In the meantime, I'm assigning personal security. You don't go anywhere without protection until No. Elena's voice cut like steel. I'm not hiding behind bodyguards like I'm afraid.
We handle this intelligently, but I won't give anyone the satisfaction of seeing me cower. Webb looked like he wanted to argue, but knew better. At minimum, you need someone watching your immediate environment, someone you trust. Elena's eyes found Marcus. Something passed between them.
A silent conversation that excluded everyone else. Marcus stays close, she said. He's already proven he can identify threats I can't see. He works on the executive floor anyway. Nothing changes visibly, but he's there.
"Ms. Hart, with respect, Mr. Cole is maintenance staff." He's not trained for Mr. Cole saved my life while your security personnel were watching cameras and patrolling hallways. Elena's tone left no room for argument. I trust his instincts. He stays.
Webb nodded reluctantly. We'll need to brief him on protocols. Provide communication equipment. Fine, do it tonight. I want this handled before morning.
Elena turned to Marcus, her expression unreadable. Unless you have objections to expanding your responsibilities. Marcus thought about what he was being asked. Thought about Lily. About the risk of putting himself between Elena and whoever wanted her dead, about walking away, choosing safety, protecting the fragile stability they'd finally achieved.