As the internal investigation deepened into the evening, the hotel security chief informed Mason that digital access requests were originating from Lawrence and his private office to view restricted purchasing archives. Shortly after, another system user attempted to permanently delete historical inventory records, prompting Mason to order immediate system backups to preserve the evidence. Later that night, a restaurant manager named Maria Santos privately confessed to Mason that she had personally logged a warning letter from Joanne, only to see it intercepted by Lawrence, who claimed he dictated what the owner needed to read. The following morning, Mason convened a strict boardroom meeting with Lawrence, Brandon, and financial director Laura Stone. Lawrence arrogantly attempted to present a fabricated file discrediting Joanne, but Mason countered with undeniable proof of the manipulated inventory reports, the photographic evidence of cheap goods, and the surveillance footage showing the managers deleting files. Under immense pressure, Brandon completely broke down and confessed that the entire product substitution scheme was organized from the top by Lawrence, who selected the corrupt vendors and orchestrated the illicit cash payments.
Following the shocking boardroom confession, Lawrence desperately attempted to negotiate a quiet resignation by offering to return a small fraction of the stolen funds to prevent a public scandal. Mason flatly refused the corrupt offer, firmly stating that he would never protect his business by covering up fraudulent actions committed by the very people who defrauded his company. Access privileges for all involved managers were instantly revoked, and an official investigation was launched, eventually uncovering that more than thirty six million pesos had been stolen through fake maintenance fees and fraudulent billing. Later that afternoon, Mason visited the hospital to present Joanne with official corporate documents clearing her name completely and providing a full financial settlement for her lost income and medical damages. Recognizing her rare integrity, Mason offered Joanne a lucrative position as the corporate director of quality control to oversee supply receiving and product standards across all his properties. A year later, Mason returned to a thriving Grand Crest Hotel, where he happily found Lily enjoying a proper meal while Joanne proudly managed the meticulously restored kitchen operations.