Julian struck the table with his palm.
“You can’t destroy everything I’ve built because of a personal affair!”
I shook my head.
“Your affair is a matter between us. The financial misconduct is a matter for the board and the appropriate authorities.”
Margaret continued the meeting.
She explained that the independent directors had voted to suspend Julian from his position immediately, remove his authority to approve company spending, and place Celeste on administrative leave pending the completion of formal employment proceedings.
Outside counsel had preserved the financial records and was preparing the necessary referrals.
Julian slowly lowered himself into his chair.
For the
first time since I’d known him, he looked genuinely uncertain about what would happen next.
“Maya,” he whispered, “please. We can fix this.”
I looked at him.
For seven years, I’d trusted him with my marriage and my father’s business.
I’d defended him when people questioned his decisions.
I’d given him opportunities I believed he’d earned.
And when I stood in front of him with a mark on my cheek after his secretary slapped me, he’d ordered me to apologize.
I took a slow breath.
“You had years to tell me the truth, Julian.”
Then I stood and walked out of the conference room.
I didn’t need to shout.
The documents had already said everything that mattered.
Six months later, Hartwell Industries was recovering the misused funds through civil proceedings.
Julian and Celeste had been charged in connection with the fraudulent transactions, and their cases were awaiting trial.
