Chapter 4 - The Boardroom Storm
At 9:30 AM, Evelyn walked into the glass-walled boardroom on the fortieth floor of the Apex Global tower. She wore a tailored charcoal wool suit, her dark hair swept up into an elegant twist, holding a crisp leather binder. Standing behind her were four senior forensic accountants and Apex’s lead corporate counsel.
The door burst open, and Grant stormed in, followed by a pale, panicked Arthur Pendelton.
"Evelyn!" Grant shouted, stepping into the room. "What kind of childish game is this? You’re ruining my reputation!"
Evelyn didn't even flinch. She adjusted her watch and looked up with cool, distant eyes.
"Mr. Mercer," she said, her voice echoing with absolute authority. "You are addressing the Regional Director of Apex Global. Please sit down, or security will escort you from the building."
Arthur pulled Grant down into a chair, whispering furiously to him to shut his mouth.
"Now," Evelyn began, opening her folder. "Over the past three years, Mercer & Associates has managed five commercial properties sub-leased by Apex Global. During our preliminary review, we discovered severe accounting irregularities. Specifically, over $400,000 in 'consulting fees' paid to an off-book LLC registered under the name of... Vanessa Cole."
Grant’s face drained of all color. "Evelyn, wait—"
"That’s Director Hart," she corrected coldly. "Furthermore, insurance claims filed for the luxury sedan involved in Miss Cole’s accident indicate that company funds were used to lease a vehicle registered exclusively for your private, non-business use."
Arthur turned on Grant with pure fury. "You embezzled funds through your mistress using our contract?!"
"I didn't embezzlement anything!" Grant stammered, sweating profusely. "Vanessa was... she was helping with corporate PR!"
"Miss Cole has no background in public relations," Evelyn said smoothly, flipping to the next page. "She is a boutique sales clerk. Apex Global is immediately terminating all contracts with Mercer & Associates. We are also filing a formal referral with the State Auditor’s Office for corporate fraud."
"Evelyn, please!" Grant pleaded, his arrogance completely shattered. "You’re my wife! We can talk about this! You can’t destroy my life over a mistake!"
Evelyn closed her binder with a soft, decisive thud.
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"You destroyed your life the moment you brought your lover into my home and told me I was inconvenient," she said quietly. "Security, please escort Mr. Mercer out."
Two imposing security officers stepped forward, taking Grant by the arms and dragging him out of the boardroom while he shouted her name in desperation.
