Chapter 7 - THE NUMBERS THAT EXPOSED THE PROMOTION
The first sign that Kyle's promotion was in trouble came from an unexpected place.
The marketing department's quarterly performance meeting was postponed.
Then postponed again.
Two senior managers were asked to provide original campaign projections.
A vendor contract was placed under review.
And Sophia stopped appearing in the company cafeteria.
I noticed these things because everyone noticed them.
But I didn't investigate.
I had promised myself that I would not turn my workplace into a battlefield.
Clara called me one evening.
“Are you sitting down?”
I looked at the sofa.
“I can be.”
“The board brought in outside auditors.”
I went still.
“For the campaign?”
“Yes.”
“What happened?”
Clara hesitated.
“I don't know everything.”
“Then don't speculate.”
She sighed.
“You're right.”
I smiled faintly.
“That's why you love me.”
“One of many reasons.”
The following week, North Harbor issued an internal notice.
The company had identified discrepancies in projected campaign returns and vendor commitments.
The notice didn't name employees.
It stated that the review was ongoing.
I read it once.
Then returned to work.
Two days later, Kyle appeared outside my office.
His tie was loose.
His face was pale.
“Eleanor.”
I looked up.
“Kyle.”
He closed the door.
I immediately stood.
“Please leave it open.”
He stared.
Then opened it again.
“I need to talk to you.”
“About what?”
“The audit.”
My stomach tightened.
“I'm not involved in it.”
“I know.”
He lowered his voice.
“But you know how these systems work.”
I stared at him.
“What are you asking?”
“Nothing improper.”
I waited.
“I just need to understand what records they might compare.”
I felt cold.
“Kyle, you need to speak with your attorney or the audit team.”
He rubbed his forehead.
“You're really not going to help me?”
“Not with an active investigation.”
His eyes hardened.
“After everything I've done for you?”
I stared.
Then said quietly, “You should leave.”
He looked as though I'd slapped him.
“Unbelievable.”
I stepped toward the open door.
“Goodbye, Kyle.”
That afternoon, I documented the conversation and informed Patricia.
She thanked me.
Then said something that made my stomach drop.
“Eleanor, I'm glad you told us.”
I frowned.
“Why?”
She hesitated.
“Because we have reason to believe someone may be attempting to influence the review.”
I stared at her.
“Who?”
Patricia's expression remained careful.
May you like
“I can't discuss that yet.”
But I already knew who had come looking for help.
