Chapter: 177
“If Albert says it's difficult, then it probably is. However, we can recover this message." Another man, shorter and slighter, pointed at a series of data codes on the laptop screen. "This is the one that was deleted. The sender set it up to be automatically erased after you read it. It wasn't hacked and deleted from your phone; it was programmed to disappear.”

Bethany shuddered despite already suspecting Maddie's preparations.

She had trusted Maddie completely, even expressing gratitude because Maddie had stayed late to work on the Zucron Company project contract.

Yet, Maddie had been plotting her downfall all along.

“Restoring this message doesn't confirm it was Maddie who sent it."

Jayson quickly grasped the significance.

Bethany realized the same. Given Maddie's meticulous planning, it was conceivable that she anticipated the message might be recovered.

"But at least it shows that someone requested the drawings."

“Bethany, what's going on with you and Maddie? She seems out to ruin you!" Aimee, who had been observing quietly, was frightened by the revelation.

She had seen photos of Maddie several times, always thinking of her as gentle and capable, even admirable. Now, to discover that Maddie had set up her best friend.

“I don't know," Bethany murmured, pressing her lips tightly together.

“Maybe she resents that I resemble her."

If not for their similar appearances, Bethany wouldn't have been Maddie's substitute.

"That's absurd! Your appearance comes from your parents' genes, not from your own doing!" Aimee rolled her eyes. “If I found someone who looked like me but wasn't related, I'd want her to be my best friends. It would be such an amazing coincidence."

Blood relations...

Aimee's casual remark caused Bethany to frown slightly.

“What's wrong?" Aimee asked.

"Nothing." Bethany shook her head.

At this moment, her phone rang. It was Brody.

"Hello?"

"Bethany, describe everything that happened, and I'll find a way to fix it." Brody was direct. "I thought it over last night. Maddie is highly regarded within Bates Group. No matter her motives for setting you up, it's hard for people to believe she'd do such a thing. Your evidence needs to be undeniable."

"Yes, I understand."

"Mr. Bates is caught in a difficult position. He's conflicted between his friendship with you and Maddie's value to Bates Group. You may not realize how vital she is-she's successfully handled and won many major lawsuits for the company."

Bethany gave a bitter smile and said, "I see. If the problem is with me, Bates Group could dismiss me easily, just a poor decision on their part. But if Maddie is exposed as the one who framed me, they might not fire her, correct?"