For the first time in eleven years, she felt that she might finally be able to sleep.
CHAPTER 7: THE TRAP
Richard Harrison had survived too many corporate battles to ignore the danger Daniel represented.
He knew the young executive had discovered something.
He also suspected Margaret had been helping him.
So he decided to act.
The following morning, Daniel received an unexpected email.
It came from the company's legal department.
The message informed him that he had been selected to present a restructuring proposal to the board at the next executive meeting.
It was an unusual opportunity.
Daniel knew immediately that something was wrong.
But he accepted.
That afternoon, he discovered that several documents had disappeared from the financial archive.
The original payment records were missing.
The access history showed that his employee credentials had been used.
Daniel had not accessed the system at that time.
Someone had stolen his login information.
An hour later, security officers arrived at his office.
"Mr. Carter, we need you to come with us."
Daniel looked up.
"Why?"
"There has been an allegation of unauthorized access to confidential financial records."
He stood.
"Who made the allegation?"
"We cannot discuss that."
Daniel followed them.
In the security office, Richard was waiting with two lawyers.
A folder sat on the table.
Richard smiled.
"Daniel. I'm disappointed."
Daniel looked at the folder.
"What is this?"
"Evidence that you accessed confidential company files without authorization."
Daniel laughed quietly.
"You created the evidence yourself."
Richard's smile disappeared.
"Careful."
Daniel looked at the security manager.
"Check the access location."
"We already did."
"Then check the device identification."
The manager hesitated.
Daniel continued.
"My company laptop was in my office. The access came from a different device."
Richard interrupted.
"Enough. You're suspended pending an investigation."
Daniel looked at him.
"You really think this will stop me?"
Richard leaned forward.
"I think it will make you understand how easily a career can disappear."
Daniel looked at the older man.
"That's exactly what happened to my father."
Richard's expression changed.
For a brief moment, Daniel saw something behind the arrogance.
Fear.
Then Richard looked away.
CHAPTER 8: THE BOARDROOM CONFRONTATION
Two days later, the board assembled for an emergency meeting.
Richard sat at the head of the table.
Daniel entered wearing his navy-blue suit.
Several executives looked surprised.
He had been suspended, yet he had been invited to attend as part of the investigation.
Richard gestured toward the opposite side of the room.
"Take a seat."
Daniel remained standing.
"I would prefer to present my findings first."
Richard laughed.
"Your findings?"
"Yes."
"You are currently under investigation."
"Then the board should hear everything before making a decision."
Jonathan Miller, the independent board chairman, raised his hand.
"Let him speak."
Richard looked irritated.
Daniel placed a folder on the table.
"I would like to begin with the financial records from eleven years ago."
He connected his laptop to the presentation screen.
The first slide showed the original financial statements.
The second displayed the transactions that had been attributed to David Carter.
The third showed the actual destination of the money.
A quiet murmur spread through the room.
Daniel continued.
"These transactions were used to accuse my father of stealing company funds. However, the original bank records show that the money was transferred to accounts connected to Richard Harrison."
Richard stood.
"This is a fabrication."
Daniel looked at him.
"Then you should have no difficulty explaining the signatures."
The screen displayed copies of the authorization documents.
Richard's signature appeared on several pages.
The room became silent.
Daniel continued.