“He still thinks I own your shares.”
“Apparently.”
My phone vibrated again.
This time, a photo appeared.
Ethan and Vanessa posed together at our reception, holding champagne glasses.
Vanessa carried my bridal bouquet.
Ethan had captioned it:
Looks like somebody knows how to enjoy herself.
I examined the photo for several moments before sending it to Rebecca.
“Preserve that, too.”
At eight the following morning, I received updated findings from the accountants.
They’d uncovered another $116,000 in unauthorized reimbursements directed to accounts Ethan controlled.
The supporting receipts showed luxury hotel visits, jewelry purchases, and weekend getaways.
Vanessa accompanied him on several trips.
One hotel reservation dated back to the week Ethan proposed.
My hands shook as I read it.
Not because I was afraid.
But because I realized our entire relationship had been carefully constructed.
Rebecca met my gaze across the desk.
“Laurel, we have enough evidence to recommend immediate action under the company’s governance procedures.”
I shut the report.
“Then call the board.”
She hesitated.
“When?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
I glanced at the photo of Vanessa carrying my bouquet.
“And invite Ethan. I want him to hear the findings himself.”
PART 3: THE PRICE OF BETRAYAL
At nine the next morning, Ethan entered the executive boardroom wearing the same smug smile I’d once mistaken for confidence.
Vanessa came with him.
She wore a white designer suit.
I almost admired her nerve.
Ethan surveyed the room.
“What’s this emergency meeting about?”
I was seated at the head of the table.
“Please sit down.”
He frowned.
“Why are you sitting there?”
“Because I’m chairing the meeting.”
He laughed.
“Sweetheart, this is business. Let the professionals handle it.”
Nobody joined his laughter.
Rebecca distributed several folders among the directors.
“Mr. Caldwell,” she said, “this meeting concerns substantial financial irregularities discovered during an independent investigation.”
Ethan’s smile weakened.
“What irregularities?”
I opened the first folder.
“Two hundred eighty-seven thousand dollars paid to Vanessa’s consulting company.”
Vanessa turned pale.
Ethan leaned closer.
“Those were legitimate business expenses.”
“Then you’ll have no problem explaining the invoices for services nobody can verify.”
He swallowed.
I went on.
“There’s also another $116,000 in reimbursements charged to the company. Hotels. Jewelry. Luxury vacations.”
Vanessa hid her hands beneath the table.
Ethan glared at me.
“You’ve been spying on me?”
“I’ve been auditing my company.”