"I need you to prepare an emergency statement."
"About what?"
"An internal dispute."
"Has there been an allegation of physical misconduct?"
Alexander looked at the elevator doors.
"Who told you that?"
"I've received a preservation notice from the company's legal department."
Alexander closed his eyes.
"Just prepare the statement."
The attorney sighed.
"Alexander, don't send anything until we've reviewed the evidence."
He ended the call.
For the first time in his career, Alexander realized that money could not immediately solve the problem he had created.
CHAPTER 9: THE BOARDROOM REVEAL
At 3:00 p.m., the boardroom was full.
The seven directors sat around the mahogany table.
Jonathan Pierce occupied the chairman's seat.
The chief financial officer, legal counsel, and head of security were also present.
Victoria entered last.
The small cut on her cheek had been cleaned, but a faint red mark remained.
She wore the same burgundy suit.
She carried the same black folder.
Alexander sat near the far end of the table.
When she entered, he looked away.
Jonathan cleared his throat.
"We are here to discuss two serious matters. First, the proposed Northbridge acquisition. Second, an incident involving two senior executives."
Victoria took her seat.
"Before we begin, I would like the financial records presented."
The CFO connected his laptop.
The first slide displayed the three versions of Northbridge's liabilities.
A murmur spread across the room.
Jonathan leaned forward.
"Why are there three versions?"
The CFO answered carefully.
"We are still investigating the changes. However, the original records indicate substantially higher liabilities than the figures presented for approval."
Alexander interrupted.
"Those documents are incomplete."
The CFO looked at him.
"They came directly from the company's financial system."
"They don't include the adjustments."
"Which adjustments?"
Alexander said nothing.
Victoria opened her folder.
"I would also like to present the payments made to Reed Advisory Partners."
The screen changed.
A list of transactions appeared.
The total was more than $12 million.
Susan Miller frowned.
"Who authorized these payments?"
The CFO answered.
"The approvals were submitted through the executive acquisition account."
Alexander stood.
"This is ridiculous."
Jonathan raised a hand.
"Please sit down."
"No. I'm not going to sit here while people accuse me of fraud."
Victoria looked at him.
"Nobody has accused you of anything yet. We're asking you to explain the documents."
Alexander laughed.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Victoria did not respond.
Jonathan spoke again.
"Alexander, sit down."
He slowly returned to his chair.
The head of security placed a tablet on the table.
"We also have the recording from conference room three."
Alexander's expression changed.
Victoria looked at the chairman.
"Play it."
The video began.
The board watched Alexander demand a signature.
They watched Victoria refuse.
They watched him grab her arm.
They heard the glass shatter.
Then they heard his words.
"Maybe now you'll understand that I am serious."
Nobody spoke.
The recording ended.
Alexander stared at the table.
Jonathan removed his glasses.
"Do you have anything to say?"
Alexander swallowed.
"It was a stressful situation."
Susan looked disgusted.
"That's your explanation?"
"I didn't intend to hurt her."
Victoria finally spoke.
"Intent does not erase responsibility."
Alexander looked up.
"You provoked me."
The room went silent.
Victoria's expression did not change.
"I questioned your financial decisions. I refused to sign an unauthorized agreement. I did not touch you."
He looked toward the chairman.
"She's trying to destroy my career."
Jonathan answered quietly.
"Your actions are doing that."