Chapter 11_ Fired!

Arya provided an explanation, recounting the email she had received stating that the upcoming event would be a foam party with a dress code of swimwear. Franko's disapproval was apparent, his frown deepening at her words.

"That's absurd! How could you possibly believe something like that? You should exercise better judgment, young lady..." Franko scolded.

"But, sir, the email came directly from your business account." Arya clarified, causing Franko's brow to furrow even more.

"My account?" He questioned.

"Yes, sir." Arya confirmed, and Franko promptly began inspecting his computer.

"If what you say is true, then this situation is much more serious than I initially thought. My account contains sensitive company data, and using it for a prank is reckless, dangerous, and irresponsible." Franko remarked, his face etched with a deep frown.

Arya couldn't help but think how aptly that description fit Kane's attitude. Before responding to Franko's words, she pondered silently, "I know, sir. I didn't question the email because it seemed unbelievable that someone would jeopardize corporate security for a prank."

"Do you have any suspects?" Franko asked, still focused on his computer screen.

‘I don't think it's wise to mention Kane directly. He needs to realize it himself.’ Arya thoughtfully mused in her mind before shaking her head. "I don't know, sir. Anyone with access to your account could be responsible..."

"However, there is nothing here." Franko interrupted, meeting Arya's gaze with a doubtful expression.

‘Damn it! Kane must have deleted the email after sending it. Sometimes I forget he's an idiot, but he's not stupid.’ Arya silently thought, frustrated. Aloud, she explained, "Well... The sender must have deleted the original message, but I have the copy on my computer."

With a snort of derision, Franko shook his head and commented, "This is getting ridiculous. Now it's turning into a spy story?"

"Sir, why would I lie? I've worked hard for this company, and you just promoted me. Who in my position would risk everything for no reason?" Arya rationalized, and Franko nodded in contemplation.

"Well... I understand that you are a consummate professional. Let us handle this situation accordingly," Franko replied, rising from his seat and guiding Arya to her office.

In her office, Arya sat at her desk, turned on her computer, and opened her inbox... but the email was nowhere to be found. "So, where is it?" Franko interrupted impatiently from the sidelines.

"I am still searching for it, sir. Just a moment, please," Arya pleaded as she combed through every folder - received, archived, deleted, and even sent. But it was gone. 'Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit,' Arya cursed under her breath.

"Young lady, I am losing my patience. Do you have this email or not?" Franko's tone was tinged with irritation.

"I... I cannot find it, sir. Someone must have deleted it," Arya admitted dejectedly.

"I see... Who had access to your computer?" Franko inquired.

"Only myself, sir," Arya answered timidly.

"Did you delete this mysterious email?" Franko pressed, and Arya shook her head in denial.

"No, sir, I-"

"I have had enough of these lies. While I can understand your attempts to justify your foolish actions, it has been a complete waste of my time. What were you trying to prove by dragging me here, only to have nothing to show? Why do you persist in lying?" Franko's voice rose with frustration.

"Sir, I am not lying. I-"

"Silence!" Franko interjected loudly, startling Arya as she gazed at him with a tense silence pervading the office. "It's evident that I have made a grave mistake with you. However, I intend to rectify it immediately. As of this moment, you are fired. Tomorrow, you may retrieve your final paycheck." With a firm stance, Franko uttered these words before exiting and shutting the door behind him, leaving Arya alone in the office.

The rest of the day seemed like a blur for Arya, as she felt disconnected from herself and avoided any contact with Kane. Eventually, she found herself in her room, bearing the weight of the world on her shoulders and unable to shake Franko's words from her mind: "You are fired!"

Alex's chance at attending college was now lost, and without references, Arya knew finding a good job would be a challenge. Anxious thoughts plagued her mind as she buried her face in her hands.

"Arya?" Alex's voice echoed from the doorway as he entered her room, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?"

"No, I'm not..." Arya mumbled, struggling to contain her tears and not worry Alex.

"What happened?" Alex inquired, settling down on the bed next to Arya.

"I got fired." Arya revealed.

"What? Why?" Alex's shocked reaction mirrored her own.

"A co-worker played a prank on me and sent a fake email. I ended up making a fool of myself in front of my boss." Arya explained, and Alex took her hands in his.

"Your boss is an idiot. You are the most hardworking person I know." Alex's supportive words brought a small smile to Arya's face.

"I had an email to prove it was a prank, but it was deleted. My boss didn't believe me." Arya added, and Alex's mind kicked into high gear.

"Hmm... Deleting emails from a server requires effort. Someone who can do it wouldn't waste time on a silly prank." Alex pondered, causing Arya to look at him quizzically.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"I mean that the email may have only been deleted from the computer and can likely be retrieved." Alex asserted confidently.

"However, all the computers at work are safeguarded with passwords." Arya stated.

"Sure, because you definitely do not have your password jotted down on a post-it note hanging from your monitor."

"Oh, please. I may not be as technologically savvy as you, but even I do not resort to such measures." Arya retorted with a scowl, momentarily forgetting about her predicament as she engaged in banter with Alex.

"Is that so? You make me a proud brother then." Alex exclaimed with a grin.

"Well... thank you... but how did he manage to gain access to my computer?" Arya inquired.

"Do you lock the screen every time you step away from your desk? Even if it's just to use the restroom or grab a cup of coffee?" Alex asked.

"Well... I suppose not." Arya responded.

"That's how he did it then. Nonetheless, I can aid you in retrieving the email." Alex commented, as Arya looked at him with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"Are you certain?" She asked, her voice tinged with a hint of doubt.

"Absolutely. Unless... has your hard drive been reformatted, shattered into pieces, set ablaze, and buried?" Alex sarcastically remarked, before adding, "I can retrieve the email within seconds, but I need to physically access your computer."

Arya nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. With Alex's help, she wouldn't lose her job after all. Once the email was retrieved, she could show it to Franko and prove him wrong, while also saving her position at the company. With renewed hope, she discussed with Alex his visit to Maranello's Enterprise, and they spent some time strategizing for the next day before retiring for the night.