The final investigation meeting took place on a Thursday morning.
Unlike the previous meetings, this one was attended by the full board, external legal representatives, the independent auditors, and several senior department heads.
The atmosphere was unusually formal.
Victor Hale sat near the chairman.
Daniel Brooks had been placed on administrative leave but was required to attend to respond to the allegations.
Richard Blackwell was also present, accompanied by his legal representative.
Evelyn entered the room carrying a thin black folder.
She took her seat beside Margaret.
Edward Harrington, the board chairman, opened the meeting.
"We are here to review the findings of the independent investigation into Project Horizon, the financial irregularities within the commercial department, and the conduct of several senior executives."
He turned toward the auditing team.
"Please begin."
Stephen Miller connected his laptop to the screen.
For the next twenty minutes, he explained the financial structure.
The investigation had identified approximately $6.8 million in questionable payments.
Several contracts lacked evidence of completed services.
Some invoices had been divided into smaller amounts to avoid additional approval procedures.
Funds had moved through intermediary companies before reaching accounts connected to the people involved.
The evidence was supported by original emails, financial records, and statements from former employees.
When Stephen finished, the room was silent.
Edward turned toward Richard.
"Mr. Blackwell, do you wish to respond?"
Richard stood.
"Yes. I acknowledge that I approved several payments. However, I acted under instructions from senior management."
He looked toward Daniel.
"Mr. Brooks was aware of the arrangements."
Daniel immediately responded.
"That's false. Richard controlled the commercial department."
Richard laughed bitterly.
"You told me exactly what to do."
"Watch your language."
"Why? Are we pretending we don't know each other?"
The chairman struck the table lightly.
"Please. One person at a time."
Richard placed a document on the table.
"This is the original executive distribution agreement."
Robert examined it.
"Where did you obtain this?"
"My private archive."
Daniel looked increasingly uncomfortable.
"That document is incomplete."
Richard turned toward him.
"Of course you would say that."
Evelyn stood.
"May I present the final witness statement?"
Edward nodded.
Evelyn introduced Laura Mitchell.
Laura entered the room carrying her original complaint and several supporting documents.
She looked nervous, but she remained composed.
"Ms. Mitchell," Evelyn began, "please explain why you submitted a complaint two years ago."
Laura described the questionable supplier contracts, the missing financial documentation, and the pressure she had experienced after raising concerns.
She explained how her position had been eliminated shortly after she submitted her complaint.
Then she identified the document signed by Daniel Brooks.
"This instruction was issued directly by the CEO. I raised concerns about the supplier arrangements, but I was told to proceed."
Daniel shook his head.
"That's not what happened."
Laura looked at him.
"Then why did you ask me to withdraw my complaint?"
Daniel said nothing.
The room became completely silent.
Evelyn continued.
"We also have a statement from Michael Foster, a former finance analyst who preserved original invoices and internal emails. His evidence supports the findings of the independent audit."
Robert displayed the final document.
It was the executive distribution agreement.
Three signatures appeared at the bottom.
Richard Blackwell.
Daniel Brooks.
Victor Hale.
The chairman looked toward Victor.
"Mr. Hale, do you wish to explain your signature?"
Victor remained still.
"That agreement was a preliminary business arrangement. It was never intended to authorize improper payments."
Evelyn spoke.
"Then why were funds transferred to Northstar Advisory Group?"
Victor turned toward her.
"Those were legitimate consulting expenses."
"Where are the consulting reports?"
"We are still locating them."
"Why were the payments approved despite repeated warnings from the finance department?"
Victor's expression tightened.
"You seem very determined to make this personal."
Evelyn shook her head.
"It isn't personal. It's about accountability."
Victor leaned forward.
"You should be careful, Ms. Carter. You have been in this position for a very short time. People who challenge established relationships without understanding them can make serious mistakes."
Evelyn looked directly at him.
"That's what Richard told me on the airplane."
Several people exchanged uncomfortable glances.
She continued.
"He believed his position made him untouchable. He believed the same thing about his colleagues. But an executive title is not a license to intimidate people, misuse money, or silence employees."
Victor looked away.
Edward Harrington finally spoke.
"Based on the evidence presented, the board will vote on the immediate removal of Richard Blackwell from his executive position, the termination of Daniel Brooks' employment, and the removal of Victor Hale from all board responsibilities pending the completion of legal proceedings."
The vote was unanimous.
Richard lowered his head.
Daniel stared at the table.
Victor remained expressionless.
The chairman continued.
"The company will cooperate with the relevant authorities and take appropriate legal action. We will also establish an independent employee reporting system and review every complaint that was previously dismissed."
Evelyn looked toward Laura and Michael.
Neither spoke.
But both seemed relieved.
For years, they had been told that nothing would change.
Today, the board had finally acknowledged what they had been saying.
The meeting ended shortly after noon.
As people began leaving, Richard approached Evelyn.
"Ms. Carter."
She turned.
He looked older than he had on Flight 782.
"I suppose you got what you wanted."
Evelyn shook her head.
"No, Richard. I wanted a company where people could do their jobs without being afraid of the people above them."
He looked down.
"Do you think I can ever work in this industry again?"
Evelyn paused.
"That decision isn't mine. But I hope you eventually understand why this happened."
Richard nodded slowly.
For once, he had no argument.
He walked out of the boardroom.
Evelyn watched him disappear through the glass doors.
Then she turned toward the chairman.
"There's still work to do."
Edward smiled faintly.
"I know. And I believe you're the right person to lead it."