Margaret activated the presentation screen.
A series of financial documents appeared.
The first set summarized the independent audit committee’s preliminary findings.
Eighteen questionable invoices.
Transactions totaling approximately $1.8 million.
A supplier connected to Celeste’s brother.
Several payments bearing Julian’s electronic authorization.
As the directors studied the records, Julian’s face changed.
“These are confidential company documents!”
Margaret nodded.
“Correct. And the board has a responsibility to review them.”
Celeste suddenly pointed toward me.
“She infiltrated this company! She
was pretending to be an ordinary employee!”
I looked at her calmly.
“My temporary employment was authorized by the appropriate parties. The financial review was conducted independently.”
Margaret opened another folder.
“We’ve also reviewed the security footage from yesterday’s incident in the dining room.”
Celeste stopped moving.
“The footage shows Ms. Price striking another employee. We have also received the termination document containing allegations that appear to contradict the available evidence.”
Celeste looked toward Julian.
Then back at me.
“But she drank from my husband’s cup!”
Every director turned toward the CEO.
I slowly removed my wedding ring.
“That’s interesting, Celeste.”
She stared at me.
“Why?”
“Because Julian and I have been legally married for seven years.”
The expression on her face changed completely.
She turned toward him.
“You told me you were divorced.”
Julian stood.
“Celeste, please calm down.”
She stepped away when he reached toward her.
“Don’t touch
me!”
I placed my wedding ring on the table.
The room was completely silent.
Then I looked at both of them.
“You treated this company as though its resources were yours to use however you pleased. You ignored financial controls, intimidated employees, and assumed nobody would investigate.”
