?Chapter 1036:


    Turning to the crowd, Evelyn raised her voice. “Is this how the National Security Bureau spends tax money? Hiring people like her? Disgraceful! I’ll take this straight to your superiors and see how they exin it.”


    No one wanted their name tied to a scandal, so the crowd quickly scattered, eager to let Ethan handle the mess.


    Not long after, Ethan strode into the chaos. “Doesn’t anyone have work to do? Why are you all just standing around?”


    Reluctantly, the group drifted back to their desks, though curious eyes kept flicking toward Lydia and Evelyn.


    Not missing a beat, Evelyn marched up to Ethan and pointed at Lydia. “You’re in charge, aren’t you? This woman destroyed my marriage. I want her gone.” Revenge was written all over Evelyn’s face—she hadn’te just to make a scene. She wanted Lydia’s name ruined and her career in the doomed for good.


    However, Ethan didn’t react the way Evelyn expected. Rather than saying a word to Lydia, he shifted his attention to the security guards and gave a firmmand. “This is the National Security Bureau. No outsiders are allowed. Escort them out.”


    A stunned silence gripped Evelyn as she gawked at Ethan. “So, you’re not going to dismiss her?”


    Ethan answered evenly, “Who stays or goes is up to the National Security Bureau—not anyone standing outside its doors.”


    Red creeping into her cheeks, Evelyn clenched her fists. “Don’t forget, my taxes pay your wages! Why are you protecting her? Unless this homewrecker is dismissed today, I’m not budging.”


    Disgust for mistresses ran deep in Ste. That was why, when Evelyn asked for backup, she had joined the confrontation without a second thought.


    When it became clear that Lydia wasn’t getting dismissed, Ste’s face darkened. “You’re the director,” she said. “If someone working under you acts like that, the only right move is to fire them on the spot. Do you seriously need someone to teach you how to do your job? You’re obviously not fit to lead anything.”


    Shock swept through the crowd. Nobody could believe Ste spoke to Ethan like that.


    Not missing a beat, Ste jabbed her finger in Ethan’s direction. “Are you listening, or do you need me to repeat myself?”


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    Without acknowledging her, Ethan turned his gaze toward the guards, signaling for action.


    Prompt and stern, the guards stepped forward. “This isn’t a stage for personal feuds. Please leave immediately.”


    With a huff, Ste brushed the guards’ hands off her arms and straightened her sleeves with exaggerated annoyance. “Apparently, you have no clue who you’re dealing with. I go wherever I want.”


    Ethan remained unfazed and gazed at the guards. “What’s the hold-up? I gave you an order.”


    Their tones hardened as the guards repeated themselves. “You need to go. Now.”


    A sh of anger crossed Ste’s face. “My father is the mayor of this city. Lay a hand on me, and you’ll regret it!”


    Understanding dawned on the crowd, eyes widening in disbelief. Now it made sense why she dared to confront Ethan—she was the mayor’s daughter.


    A smug grin yed on Evelyn’s lips. “Ste’s the mayor’s daughter. Going up against her could cost you everything. Director or not, you’d be wise to get rid of that tramp right now—or else.”


    “Or else what?” Ethan cut her off without the slightest flicker of concern. Chilled authority sliced through his words as he turned to the security guards. “This is your first and only warning. Let anyone unauthorized step foot in here again, and the whole security department will be out on the street.”


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