Rebecca connected her laptop to the conference room display.
A folder appeared on the screen.
It contained several audio files, scanned documents, and financial spreadsheets.
Richard Whitmore stared at the screen.
"Where did you get those?"
Rebecca remained composed.
"These materials were provided to us by Mrs. Whitmore. They are currently undergoing verification."
Richard looked at his mother.
"You've been keeping company documents?"
Eleanor folded her hands.
"I've been preserving evidence."
"You had no right to access those records after retirement."
"I received them while I was still chairwoman."
"That's not the point."
"It is exactly the point."
Richard turned toward Rebecca.
"These documents may be confidential."
Rebecca nodded.
"That is why we're handling them through legal channels."
Daniel watched Richard carefully.
The man's confidence seemed to be weakening.
Rebecca opened the audio file.
"Mrs. Whitmore has identified this recording as a conversation during a board meeting three years ago. We have not yet established its authenticity. However, we would like to hear the relevant section."
Richard immediately objected.
"I do not consent to this."
One of the lawyers responded.
"Mr. Whitmore, this is an evidence review. Your objection will be documented, but it does not prevent us from examining material that has been lawfully provided to counsel."
Rebecca pressed play.
At first, the recording contained background noise and several indistinct voices.
Then a man's voice became clear.
"We cannot leave those contracts in the system."
Another voice responded.
"They have already been approved."
"Then change the classification. Move them under consulting expenses."
"That would create a problem during the audit."
The first voice became sharper.
"Only if the auditors know where to look."
Richard shifted in his chair.
Daniel looked at him.
The recording continued.
A third voice asked:
"What about the regional payments?"
"Keep the original companies out of the report. The new subsidiaries will handle everything."
Then came a sentence that changed the atmosphere in the room.
"We cannot allow Eleanor to see the full transaction history."
The recording stopped.
Nobody spoke.
Rebecca looked toward Richard.
"Do you recognize the voices?"
Richard's expression was controlled.
"Audio recordings can be manipulated."
"That's why the forensic verification is necessary."
"My mother has been involved in several disputes with the board. Her judgment may not be reliable."
Eleanor looked directly at him.
"My judgment was reliable when I helped you become chief executive."
Richard's jaw tightened.
"That was a long time ago."
"Not long enough for you to forget what this company stands for."
He turned away.
Daniel leaned forward.
"Mr. Whitmore, I have a question."
Richard looked at him.
"What?"
"Why was my seat assignment changed?"
Richard appeared surprised.
"Excuse me?"
"The passenger manifest. Why was my confirmed seat changed to accommodate your mother?"
"I have no idea."
Daniel placed a printed copy of the revision history on the table.
"Richard Cole made the change using a management account. Your executive office instructed the flight crew to maintain the arrangement even after the original reservation was verified."
Richard examined the document.
"This is not proof that I authorized anything."
"Then who did?"
"I don't know."
Rebecca spoke calmly.
"We have already contacted the charter operator. They are reviewing the access logs."
Richard looked increasingly uncomfortable.
Eleanor finally spoke.
"Richard, you don't have to keep lying."
He turned toward her.
"You have no idea what you're talking about."
"I know you were afraid I would give the documents to Daniel."
"That's absurd."
"Then why did you send security to remove me?"
Richard stood.
"Because you were creating a scene!"
Eleanor remained seated.
"By asking questions?"
"By interfering with the company!"
Her voice became stronger.
"I built that company with your father. I worked through years when we had no money, no influence, and no guarantees. I never used its resources to enrich myself."
Richard slammed his hand against the table.
"Things are different now!"
Rebecca immediately intervened.
"Mr. Whitmore, please remain calm."
Richard looked around the room.
He realized everyone was watching him.
He slowly sat down.
Daniel spoke again.
"There's another issue. The acquisition cannot proceed while these allegations remain unresolved."
Richard looked at him.
"You cannot cancel a transaction based on unverified accusations."
"Correct. But we can suspend negotiations pending an independent investigation."
Rebecca nodded.
"That is exactly what our legal team recommends."
Richard's expression darkened.
"You have no idea what this will do to the company."
Eleanor looked at him sadly.
"Perhaps you should have thought about that before risking everything."
Richard closed his briefcase.
"This meeting is over."
He stood and walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he turned back.
"Mother, I hope you understand what you've done."
Eleanor looked at him.
"I finally understand what you have done."
The door closed.
Nobody moved for several seconds.
Then Rebecca looked toward Daniel.
"We need to preserve everything. This is now a formal investigation."
Daniel nodded.
Outside the conference room, Richard walked quickly toward the elevators.
He took out his phone.
There was one number he needed to call.
And whoever answered might be the only person capable of protecting him now.