“That’s not what happened.”
Oliver remained calm.
“Some of those payments were sent to entities with no verifiable record of providing the services described. Others were traced to accounts connected to your personal business interests.”
Derek shook his head.
“Those were expansion expenses.”
“Then the supporting records should establish that,” Oliver replied. “But several signatures appear to have been forged, and the documentation we’ve obtained contradicts the explanations your company supplied.”
One of the investors rose from his seat.
“Derek, you told us the company was almost ready for a public stock offering.”
Derek turned desperately toward him.
“We are! We just need more time.”
Oliver spoke again.
“Our review found no basis for the claims that regulatory approvals had already been obtained.”
The investor stared at Derek.
“You told me everything was finalized.”
“It was close!”
“Close isn’t finalized,” the investor snapped.
Other investors began gathering their belongings.
