Chapter 9 - THE DAY COLE LOST HIS TITLE
The audit committee completed its initial findings in February.
Several expenses charged to Ashford Capital appeared personal.
Certain consulting payments lacked sufficient documentation.
Confidential information had been shared outside approved channels.
Cole was placed on administrative leave pending further review.
Sierra's consulting contract was suspended.
Thomas Ashford called Cole into the boardroom.
Cole arrived furious.
"This is ridiculous."
Thomas remained calm.
"Sit down."
Cole looked around.
Several directors were present.
So was outside counsel.
And me.
He stopped.
"Lauren?"
I looked at him.
"Hello, Cole."
He laughed.
"You're enjoying this."
"No."
He stared.
"Then why are you here?"
"Because the trust is a shareholder."
Thomas interrupted.
"This meeting concerns company governance."
The directors reviewed the findings.
Cole attempted to dismiss the expenses as misunderstandings.
But the records were detailed.
Hotel charges.
Luxury gifts.
Consulting invoices.
Travel.
Some transactions required further investigation.
Others clearly violated internal policy.
Thomas looked at Cole.
"You had opportunities to explain."
Cole's jaw tightened.
"I built this division."
"You managed it," Thomas replied.
"That isn't the same as owning it."
The board voted to remove Cole from his executive role, subject to the company's contractual and legal procedures.
Cole stared at the directors.
Then at me.
"You did this."
I shook my head.
"No."
He looked furious.
I continued.
"You made the decisions. The board reviewed them."
Cole stood abruptly.
"This company will regret losing me."
Thomas's expression did not change.
"That remains to be seen."
Cole left.
The door closed behind him.
For a moment, the room was silent.
Then Thomas turned to me.
"Lauren, are you all right?"
I looked at the empty chair.
I had imagined this moment would feel satisfying.
Instead, I felt tired.
May you like
"I'm ready to go home to my children."
And I meant it.
