?<strong>Chapter 657:</strong>


    This key seemed to hold the power to open the central control panel itself. She noted that the key was more than just a physical object — it was controlled by a chip.


    Quickly, she retrieved a duplicator from her pocket, her movements fluid and practiced. Carefully, she transferred the data from the chip into the duplicator, ensuring that she left no trace of her presence. With everything in ce, she began returning the office to its original state.


    Just as she was preparing to leave and head back to the cleaning supply room, a man appeared seemingly out of nowhere, blocking her path.


    His wild curls framed a face that looked both disheveled and sharp — his eyes narrowing with suspicion as they locked onto hers.


    “Stop right there. Where did you juste from?” he demanded, his voice tinged with coldness.


    Allison blinked, keeping her expression neutral as she instinctively concealed the duplicated chip in her fingers. “I was cleaning the office,” she replied, ying the innocent card.


    The man’s gaze sharpened as he took a step forward. “You came out of the boss’s office, didn’t you?”


    He didn’t give her a chance to answer. With a sneer, he blocked her path further. “I’m Rowan. If I’m not mistaken, you’re holding something in your hand, aren’t you?”


    Before she could react, his hand shot out, gripping her chin in a firm, almost predatory way. He studied her intently, as if trying to read her every thought.


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    Allison remained calm, her voice unwavering as she replied, “Sir, I have nothing in my hand.” She extended her left hand, showing it empty.


    Her mind raced, calcting the next move — if Rowan took the first step, she’d be forced to defend herself. Rowan didn’t back down. “Show me your right hand.”


    But just as tension hung thick in the air, a new voice sliced through the moment, raspy and urgent.


    “There’s a problem! The surveince in the basementb is malfunctioning!”


    Rowan’s eyes widened in rm. “What?”


    He spun around, dashing out of the room without another word. “This can’t be happening!” he muttered as he disappeared.


    Allison let out a quiet breath of relief. Ken emerged from another direction, pulling her into the cleaning supply room. As her body rxed, she pulled the chip from her pocket and handed it over to him.


    “Thank god you showed up in time, or I would’ve had to take matters into my own hands.”


    Ken studied her with a sharp gaze before looking at the chip. “I checked theb files. That man, Rowan Gilbert, is the head of security for this floor’sb. That’s why I messed with the surveince system — had to lure him out somehow. I used the voice changer so he wouldn’t find out who was shouting just now.”


    Allison nodded, but something seemed to linger in her mind. “The guards on this floor — they don’t look like the usual security. They’re wearingb coats, not uniforms.”


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