The set up
"Ryan do you know why you were summoned here" his boss, Julia asked.
"No ma'am. I have no idea" Ryan replied.
"We found that you embezzled a huge amount of money from this company" Julia said.
"That's impossible. I would never do such a thing" Ryan, who was very confused at this point, responded.
"I thought you might say that. Here's all the proof of what you did" Julia said as she passed some documents over to Ryan.
Ryan quickly went through the document and the worry on his face was obvious. He began to sweat profusely. His hands began to shake.
"I don't know how this happened but I didn't do this. I'm being set up" Ryan cried out.
"All the evidence points to you Ryan. You stole from the company. You had such a bright future and you chose to jeopardize it all" Julia said, visibly sad.
"I didn't do this. Please believe me" Ryan tried to convince everyone in that room.
"Enough of your lies. You'll be spending some time with the police" Julia said.
The police walked into the room and put cuffs on Ryan. Then they took him away. The entire staff of the firm watched as Ryan was taken away by the police. Most of them were shocked. Matt however had a smile on his face. Ryan felt the biggest shame of his life as he was taken away.
Ryan was questioned by the police. He told them everything he knew but there was overwhelming evidence against him. Ryan couldn't believe how someone would go to great lengths to set him up.
Ryan's lawyer got involved. Ryan was granted bail but the case was far from over. The matter was in fact heading to court.
Ryan went to meet his friend, Jim. Jim was an expert in tracing finances.
"Jim, I'm in a lot of trouble" Ryan said.
"What happened man? You look terrible" Jim said out of concern.
"I was framed at work. Millions embezzled and all the evidence points to me. But I didn't do it. I was just granted bail"
"Damn. That's crazy. Do you have any idea who might have set you up?" Jim asked.
"No I don't. That's why I'm here. I need your help man" Ryan pleaded.
"Alright. I've got your back. Give me all the necessary details and I and my people will get on it" Jim replied.
"Thank you. It means a lot to me" Ryan said.
Ryan's trial in court started and the case was adjourned to another day.
The night before the next court day. Ryan met with Jim.
"I have news from the investigation. All the trails lead to a certain Matt Graham. He's the one who set you up" Jim said as he handed over documents to support his claim to Ryan.
Ryan was shocked and disappointed. Matt was behind his downfall, while he considered Matt as a friend.
Ryan decided to handover the evidence to his lawyer as it would prove useful to his case.
In court the next day, Ryan's lawyer presented overwhelming evidence that Matt was in fact the one who embezzled money and set Ryan up.
Matt who was present in the courtroom was ashamed. He didn't know where to look or how to react.
The case was closed. Ryan won. As soon the matter was over, Matt ran over to Ryan to render an apology.
"I'm so sorry Ryan. Jealousy got the better of me. I was scared for my job. Please forgive me" said Matt.
"I considered you a friend, yet you framed me. You'll face the consequences of what you did" Ryan said as he walked away.
The firm gave Ryan his job back and promoted him immediately. Matt was arrested, taken to court and made to pay for what he did.