Within thirty minutes, an independent accountant arrived.
The accountant reviewed the records.
At first, everything appeared ordinary.
Then she compared the supplier invoices with the bank transfers.
Her expression became serious.
"Mrs. Whitmore, I need to show you something."
Margaret approached the computer.
The accountant pointed to a series of payments.
Several invoices listed suppliers that had no active contracts with the restaurant.
Others contained duplicated reference numbers.
The total amount involved was far greater than the amount mentioned in Marcus's recording.
Margaret looked at Richard.
"Can you explain these transactions?"
Richard shook his head.
"I would need to review them."
The accountant continued.
"There's something else."
She opened another file.
The restaurant had reported a significant amount of unpaid employee overtime.
The money had been allocated in the budget but had not been distributed.
Margaret stared at the figures.
"How much?"
The accountant gave her the amount.
Margaret became silent.
For months, employees had been told that the restaurant was experiencing financial difficulties.
Some had accepted reduced hours.
Others had left because they could not afford to continue working without proper compensation.
Yet the records suggested that money intended for employees had been diverted elsewhere.
Margaret slowly turned toward Richard.
"How long has this been happening?"
Richard did not answer.
CHAPTER 10: THE MANAGER'S DEFENSE
Richard finally spoke.
"Mrs. Whitmore, I have worked for this company for twelve years. I have helped expand the restaurant division and improve its profitability."
Margaret listened.
"I have sacrificed weekends, holidays, and family time. I have done everything necessary to keep this location successful."
He pointed toward the financial reports.
"Look at the numbers. The restaurant has grown."
Margaret replied calmly.
"Growth does not excuse dishonesty."
Richard shook his head.
"You are judging me based on a recording taken without context."
"Then give me the context."
Richard struggled to find an answer.
He claimed that certain payments had been temporarily moved because of cash-flow problems.
He insisted that no employee had intentionally been deprived of money.
But the accountant continued finding inconsistencies.
Some supplier accounts appeared to be connected to companies registered under names associated with Richard's relatives.
Margaret asked whether those relationships had been disclosed.
Richard said nothing.
The accountant explained that further verification would be necessary.
Margaret closed the folder.
"Richard, you will be placed on immediate administrative leave while an independent investigation is completed."
Richard looked shocked.
"You cannot do this."
Margaret remained calm.
"I can, and I will follow the proper procedures."
Richard stood.
"After everything I've done for this company?"
Margaret looked at him.
"That is exactly why this is so disappointing."
He turned toward Marcus, who had been waiting outside the office.
"You think you've won?"
Marcus looked confused.
Richard continued.
"You have no idea what you've just done."
Margaret stepped between them.
"That's enough."
Richard walked out.
The door closed behind him.
And for the first time in months, Marcus felt that the truth had a chance to survive.
CHAPTER 11: THE EMPLOYEE WHO ALMOST LOST EVERYTHING
The following morning, Marcus received a phone call from the restaurant's human resources department.
He was asked to attend a meeting.
He worried that Richard might have found a way to retaliate.
His mother noticed his expression.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Mom. Just something at work."
She looked at him.
"Marcus, you don't have to pretend everything is fine."
He sat beside her.
"I think something serious is happening at the restaurant."