But the next morning would bring a confrontation neither of them could avoid.
The following morning, Sterling Global's boardroom was filled with tension.
Every director had received an emergency meeting notification.
Several major investors had also requested explanations regarding the accusations against Michael.
Victoria Harrington arrived at precisely nine o'clock.
She wore a dark designer suit and carried a leather briefcase.
She appeared confident.
Daniel Reeves followed her into the room, but he looked unusually nervous.
Michael was already seated at the head of the table.
James Whitmore sat beside him.
Thomas was not present.
Michael had insisted that his father remain at home until the investigation was complete.
Victoria placed her briefcase on the table.
"Michael, I assume we are finally going to address the allegations against you."
Michael nodded.
"Yes."
She smiled.
"Good. Because several investors are considering withdrawing their support."
Michael looked directly at her.
"Before we discuss the allegations, I want to introduce some evidence."
James connected his laptop to the conference room screen.
The first document appeared.
It was the original maintenance report for the truck involved in Daniel's accident.
Then came the second report.
And the third.
Each document showed that the vehicle had failed safety inspections.
Victoria remained still.
Michael spoke.
"These records were concealed for nearly three decades. They show that the vehicle responsible for my brother's death was allowed to remain in operation despite repeated warnings."
One director looked shocked.
"Your brother?"
Michael nodded.
"His name was Daniel Bennett. He was twelve years old when he died."
Victoria looked away.
Michael continued.
"The company responsible for maintaining the vehicle received multiple warnings. Those warnings were ignored. The original reports were subsequently removed from the archive."
James displayed the next document.
It showed payments made to Victor Hale.
Then another document connected those payments to a consulting company controlled by Daniel Reeves.
Daniel suddenly stood.
"I want to make something clear. I had no knowledge of the original accident."
Michael looked at him.
"Then why did your company receive payments connected to the people who concealed the records?"
Daniel opened his mouth but said nothing.
Victoria interrupted.
"These documents are decades old. You cannot seriously suggest that I am responsible for something that happened before I became an executive."
Michael remained calm.
"I'm not accusing you of causing the accident."
He displayed another document.
"I'm accusing you of participating in the concealment of evidence and later using company funds for unauthorized transactions."
Victoria shook her head.
"Those are fabricated allegations."
James opened a folder.
"These are certified financial records. We have also obtained the original email correspondence and payment instructions."
Victoria's face lost its color.
Michael turned toward her.
"Do you recognize this signature?"
The screen displayed her name.
Victoria Harrington.
She remained silent.
"Do you recognize the authorization?"
Still no answer.
Michael continued.
"You were not the person who caused Daniel's death. But when you discovered the truth, you chose to protect the people responsible rather than help uncover what happened."
Victoria suddenly laughed.
"You think you're some kind of hero?"
Michael looked at her.
"No. I think I have a responsibility to tell the truth."
She leaned forward.
"You have no idea what it takes to run a company like this. I've spent years building your operations while you played the visionary CEO."
Michael's expression hardened.
"And that gives you the right to threaten my father?"
Victoria became silent.
James displayed the final piece of evidence.
A recorded phone conversation between Victoria and Daniel Reeves.
Her voice filled the room.
"Recover those documents. Once we have them, we will destroy every connection between us."
Then Daniel's voice:
"I didn't know the money was connected to the accident."
And Victoria's response:
"Keep your voice down."
The recording ended.
Every director stared at her.
Daniel slowly lowered his head.
Victoria stood.
"This is illegal! You cannot use private conversations against me!"
James responded calmly.
"The recording was voluntarily provided to investigators by one of the participants. Its admissibility will be determined through the proper legal process."
Michael looked toward the board.
"Until the investigation is completed, I recommend that Victoria Harrington be suspended from all executive responsibilities and that all relevant financial accounts be independently audited."
One director raised his hand.
"I support the motion."
Another followed.
Then another.
Within minutes, the board voted overwhelmingly in favor.
Victoria looked around the table.
"You cannot do this to me."
Michael stood.
"Your position has been suspended. Security will accompany you while you collect your personal belongings."
Victoria stared at him.
"You'll regret this."
Michael answered quietly.