I had recorded enough of the conversation to preserve what I’d heard.
Claire played the relevant portion for the room.
Daniel’s own voice filled the conference room.
When the recording stopped, nobody spoke.
***
The board considered the evidence and voted on immediate protective measures.
Charles was suspended pending further investigation.
Daniel was removed from his executive position.
The company referred the financial findings to the appropriate investigators and insurers.
Under the terms of the restructuring agreement, my investment group assumed temporary operational oversight.
Daniel followed me into the hallway afterward.
“Emma!”
I kept walking.
“Please!”
I stopped.
His eyes were red.
“You’ve destroyed my life.”
I looked at him.
“No, Daniel. Your decisions brought you here.”
“It was one mistake!”
“One?”
I took a breath.
“You planned to isolate me from my career, gain control of my finances, and use my resources to cover problems inside your company.”
