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It was Wednesday, the day after Hannah's suspension from her position at Layton Moreby. She had decided that she couldn't just sit around thinking about what had happened, or wondering what to do next, but had to use her time in some useful and productive way.

To that end, she went online and began to study various investment matters, case studies, market analyses, hostile takeovers, sector volatility, emerging markets, anything she could find. She might be suspended from working, but she wasn't suspended from learning.

The following day she did the same. Investment strategies, capital structures, convertible instruments, mezzanine financing, hybrid equity plays, anything she came across. She might have had her responsibilities taken away, but she hadn't had her ambition taken away.

It was evening and she decided she'd studied enough for that day. Her mind drifted back to Tanaka and to Keller, and she wondered what was happening with those deals. It seemed likely that both would soon be completed, and she took satisfaction in her role in them. She may be in trouble with Clare, but at least she wasn't in trouble for failing to deliver results.

Her phone buzzed with a text. Alessandro Rossi. "Tanaka board meets on Friday. We're in the box seats."

Hannah stared at the message. Victory. Tanaka secured. It was a triumph, but a triumph that felt hollow, distant. She was suspended, exiled from the very firm that would profit from her work. She didn't reply. What was there to say? Thanks for the win I can't celebrate?

Friday morning dawned grey and heavy. Hannah forced herself through her routine - coffee, more online study on distressed debt restructuring - but her focus was fractured. Tanaka's board meeting would be happening now. Rossi's confidence suggested a done deal. The Keller spin-off plan was likely heading toward completion at Creighton Bank, Alex's illicit validation having paved its way. She'd worked so hard on these deals and now they were closing without her.

A sharp knock shattered the quiet. She was asked to sign for a letter and could see it was from Layton Moreby. The envelope felt heavy in her hands. Something from Clare? Something to do with compliance? The investigation?

Inside lay a single sheet of letterhead. Her eyes scanned the formal language, cold and precise: "Following preliminary review of breaches in compliance protocols and unauthorized external communications, your employment with Layton Moreby is terminated effective immediately. All accrued benefits and final remuneration will be processed in accordance with contractual terms. You are required to return company property, including access cards, by 5:00 PM today. Further communication regarding ongoing investigations will be issued separately."

Terminated. The word echoed, sharp and final. Not suspension. Not probation. Over. Hannah sank onto the edge of her sofa, the paper trembling in her hand. Clare hadn't waited for the Tanaka vote or Keller's closure. She'd moved decisively, cutting Hannah loose before those deals could solidify her position. Hannah's victories were now Layton's assets, untethered from the liability she apparently represented.

A wave of cold fury washed over the initial shock. "Unauthorized external communications." Clare knew that someone else was involved. She didn't have proof, but she knew. This wasn't just about protocol breaches, it was about eliminating a rogue element Clare could no longer control. Hannah had delivered Tanaka and Keller, salvaged Vince, but she'd done it outside the cage Clare tried to build. That was the unforgivable sin.

Her phone buzzed with a text. Alessandro Rossi. "Check Bloomberg."

The message cut through her racing thoughts. She went online to the Bloomberg website and soon found the story that Rossi was referring to: "Shares in Tanaka Precision Industries jumped today, after the Singapore based conglomerate announced that its board had formally

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