"I built the modern company. I secured the investors. I expanded the business internationally. Half of the people in this room owe their positions to me."
Edward nodded.
"You did accomplish many things."
"Exactly."
"But that doesn't give you permission to steal."
Victoria's expression changed.
"You think you're innocent?"
Edward looked at her.
"Explain."
"You transferred money out of the company for years. You funded charities without asking anyone. You gave away shares. You made decisions without consulting the board."
Edward remained silent.
Victoria smiled.
"Perhaps you should investigate yourself."
Richard opened another folder.
"We did."
Victoria's smile disappeared.
Richard continued.
"All charitable transfers were authorized by the board and properly recorded. The foundation's accounts are independently audited. Every transaction is documented."
He placed another report on the table.
"Your consulting companies are not."
Victoria stared at the papers.
Edward slowly stood.
"Victoria, there is something else you should know."
She looked up.
"The investment group you have been negotiating with?"
Victoria swallowed.
"Yes?"
"They are not independent buyers."
Edward placed a document on the table.
"They are controlled by Martin Reynolds."
Victoria froze.
Martin was her younger brother.
He had been helping her manage the offshore transactions.
Edward continued.
"Your brother agreed to sell the subsidiaries to a company that he secretly controlled. The purchase price was significantly below market value."
Victoria's face turned white.
"How do you know that?"
"Because he contacted our legal department last week."
Victoria stared at him.
"What?"
"He provided the original correspondence."
"That's impossible."
Edward's voice softened.
"He also provided evidence that you instructed him to create false invoices."
Victoria looked around.
Nobody moved.
She had trusted Martin with everything.
She had believed he would never betray her.
But he had protected himself.
And now she was alone.
Richard closed the folder.
"Effective immediately, your executive authority is suspended pending the completion of the investigation."
Victoria stood abruptly.
"You can't suspend me!"
Edward looked at her.
"Yes, we can."
"I'll sue every person in this room!"
"You are free to seek legal advice."
"You'll regret this!"
Edward paused.
Then he said quietly:
"The only thing I regret is that I didn't listen when other people warned me about you."
Victoria's eyes filled with tears.
She looked at him.
For the first time, she seemed to understand that the meeting was not going to end in her favor.
CHAPTER 8: THE LETTER
The board meeting ended shortly before five.
Most members left immediately.
Victoria remained seated.
She stared at the documents scattered across the table.
Edward approached her.
"Victoria."
She did not look up.
"What?"
"I'd like you to read something."
He placed a small envelope beside her.
She ignored it.
"What is this?"
"A letter."
"From whom?"
"Yourself."
Victoria frowned.
Edward explained.
"Twenty-three years ago, on your first day at the company, you wrote me a letter."
She slowly looked at him.
"I don't remember."
"I kept it."
Edward opened the envelope and removed a yellowed sheet of paper.
He placed it in front of her.
Victoria looked down.
Her handwriting was unmistakable.
The letter was short.
Dear Mr. Harrison,
Thank you for giving me an opportunity when nobody else would. I know I have a lot to learn, but I promise I will work hard and never forget the people who helped me.
One day, I hope to become someone who can give other people the same opportunity you gave me.
Thank you for believing in me.
Victoria.
She read it once.
Then again.
Her eyes filled with tears.