He launched into an angry speech about loyalty and family honor. I let him finish.
Then I replied, “The company’s investigators are reviewing your invoices. You should retain independent counsel.”
He went silent.
That afternoon, Daniel requested an emergency meeting. I agreed on the condition that our attorneys attend.
He arrived two days later wearing a neck brace, Vanessa holding his arm and Richard following behind.
Daniel looked furious.
“You’re going to reverse this,” he demanded.
Margaret pushed a document across the conference table.
“Mr. Whitmore, these are the transactions currently under investigation.”
Richard scanned the figures and turned pale.
Vanessa frowned. “Daniel, what’s happening?”
I opened a folder containing the disputed loan papers and corporate records.
“The company is investigating hundreds of thousands of dollars in unauthorized expenditures, plus an attempted loan secured by assets Daniel didn’t own.”
Vanessa withdrew her hand from his arm.
“You said all the money was yours.”
Daniel glared at me.
“You planned this.”
“No. I discovered it.”
He pointed angrily at the documents.
“You have no idea what you’re doing!”
I leaned forward.
“I spent eight years keeping this business profitable while you told everyone I was your secretary. I know precisely what I’m doing.”
Margaret explained that the company would seek reimbursement for proven losses and refer substantiated fraud findings to the authorities. Daniel’s dismissal would proceed after the required hearing.
His expression collapsed.
Richard grabbed his phone and began typing urgently. Seconds later, mine vibrated.