"The same companies received payments from Sterling International over the last three years. More than eighteen million dollars was transferred through consulting agreements without evidence of services being provided."
Margaret stood.
"I can confirm those documents are authentic."
Richard turned toward her.
"Margaret, sit down."
She did not move.
"I have copies of the original records."
Richard's voice became louder.
"I said sit down!"
Jonathan intervened.
"Richard, let her speak."
Margaret took a breath.
"For eleven years, I remained silent about the transactions involving David Carter. I approved certain payments because I was instructed to do so. I later discovered that the money was being diverted through private companies."
She looked at Daniel.
"I am prepared to cooperate fully with the investigation."
Richard slammed his hand against the table.
"This is unbelievable!"
Daniel remained calm.
"No. What's unbelievable is that you thought nobody would ever discover what you did."
Richard stepped toward him.
"You have no idea what it took to keep this company alive!"
Daniel stepped forward too.
"My father kept this company alive before you ever became chairman."
Richard pointed at him.
"Your father was weak!"
Daniel's expression changed.
"Don't speak about him."
Richard laughed.
"What are you going to do? Stand there and lecture me?"
Daniel moved closer.
"You spent eleven years convincing everyone that he was a thief. You destroyed his reputation. You took his company. And when he died, you never once admitted what you had done."
Richard folded his arms.
"You cannot prove anything."
Daniel looked toward the screen.
"Then explain the next document."
A new image appeared.
It was an internal email dated eleven years earlier.
The sender was Richard Harrison.
The recipient was the company's former legal director.
The subject line read:
FINAL ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING DAVID CARTER.
Daniel read the message aloud.
"Make sure the transfer is completed before the audit begins. David must not have access to the original statements. Once the board receives the revised report, there will be no reason for anyone to question the decision."
The room became completely silent.
Richard's face had turned pale.
Daniel continued.
"That email was recovered from an archived company server. It was never deleted."
Richard looked around the room.
Nobody came to his defense.
For the first time in eleven years, the man who had controlled every conversation was unable to control the truth.
CHAPTER 9: THE SECRET INSIDE THE LAST ENVELOPE
Richard was not finished.
He looked toward the board chairman.
"Before anyone makes a decision, I want to explain something."
Jonathan nodded.
Richard took a breath.
"David Carter was not the only person involved in the original financial restructuring."
Daniel frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
Richard looked at Margaret.
"Ask her."
Margaret became visibly uncomfortable.
Daniel turned toward her.
"Is there something else?"
She lowered her head.
"Yes."
Richard smiled.
"Tell him."
Margaret stood slowly.
"Eleven years ago, the board was preparing to remove Richard from the company. Several investors had discovered that he was moving assets without proper authorization."
Daniel stared at her.
"Then why was my father accused?"
"Because Richard needed someone to blame. Your father was the founder, and everyone trusted him. If the company believed he had stolen money, Richard could present himself as the person who saved the business."
Daniel's hands tightened.
Margaret continued.
"But there was another reason."
Richard looked furious.
"Stop."
Margaret ignored him.
"Your father had discovered that Richard was planning to sell the company's manufacturing division to a private investment group. The sale would have resulted in thousands of employees losing their jobs."