“Impressive, isn’t it?”
I glanced at the ring.
“Very.”
She smiled smugly.
“Now sign the document before I have security escort you out.”
I picked up the termination notice and read it once more.
Then I set it back on the table.
“I’d like a copy.”
Celeste laughed.
“What for? Planning to take legal action?”
I gave her a small
smile.
“Something along those lines.”
I left without signing.
She had no idea that the independent audit committee had already been investigating the suspicious transactions for six weeks.
And earlier that same day, the outside forensic accountants had delivered their preliminary findings.
The money had been moving through a company called Meridian Strategic Supply.
According to the records, its registered owner was Celeste’s brother.
Several invoices described consulting services that investigators could not verify.
Some of the transactions carried Julian’s electronic approvals.
And the diamond ring was only one of several purchases requiring further explanation.
At four that afternoon, Margaret Ellis called me.
Her voice was serious.
“Maya, we’ve reviewed the preliminary findings. There’s enough evidence to recommend immediate action against Julian’s spending authority and to refer the questionable transactions for further investigation.”
I closed my eyes.
“Are the records preserved?”
“Yes. Outside counsel has copies, and the audit committee
has documented its findings.”
I thought about my father.
I remembered him coming home from his first workshop with machine oil on his hands.
I remembered how proudly he’d spoken about the employees who helped him build the business.
Hartwell Industries wasn’t simply a source of income.
It was the result of decades of work.
And hundreds of families depended on its future.
“Margaret,” I said quietly, “this isn’t only about my marriage anymore.”
“I know.”
“I want the board to handle everything properly. We need to protect the employees and the company.”
“Then we’ll proceed tomorrow.”
That evening, Julian came home carrying flowers.
He walked into the kitchen with an expression that suggested he expected a quick reconciliation.
“Maya, can we please forget today’s misunderstanding?”
I looked at the bouquet.
“Misunderstanding?”
He placed the flowers on the counter.
“Celeste gets jealous. She doesn’t always think before speaking.”
I stared
at him.
“Why does she believe you’re her husband?”
Julian sighed.
“Because I told her our marriage was basically over.”
The words settled between us.
I looked at the man I’d trusted for seven years.
