Chapter 11 - THE TRUTH ABOUT THE NINETY-SIX MILLION
The disputed guarantee became the center of the investigation.
Forensic document specialists examined the signature.
Digital records were reviewed.
Witnesses were interviewed.
The evidence indicated that Rebecca's signature had been reproduced without her authorization.
Investigators traced the document's preparation through several individuals involved in the Westbridge financing package.
Nathaniel's role remained under scrutiny.
Sloane's communications were examined.
And the lenders began reviewing their exposure.
Rebecca attended a meeting with Eleanor and the independent committee.
Judith Monroe placed a report on the table.
“We have enough evidence to conclude the guarantee was not properly authorized.”
Rebecca exhaled.
“Thank God.”
Judith continued.
“We're notifying the relevant parties and preserving the record for the appropriate proceedings.”
Rebecca nodded.
“What happens to Crosswell?”
Helen Pierce answered.
“The company will need to renegotiate portions of the financing.”
“Can it survive?”
Helen hesitated.
“With a credible restructuring plan, possibly.”
Rebecca looked at the report.
For twelve years, she'd watched Nathaniel build Crosswell.
She knew its employees.
Its engineers.
Its customers.
Its potential.
She didn't want the company destroyed because of its former CEO's decisions.
She looked at Judith.
“Then let's build a plan.”
The restructuring took months.
Some assets were sold.
Certain projects were delayed.
The company negotiated with lenders.
Independent directors strengthened oversight.
Langford Capital participated under documented commercial terms.
Rebecca refused to treat the company as a personal trophy.
She wanted it to become stable.
Responsible.
And capable of operating without Nathaniel.
One evening, Howard visited her office.
He found Rebecca surrounded by financial reports.
“Becca.”
She looked up.
“Dad.”
“You're working late.”
She smiled.
“Apparently, I inherited that from you.”
He laughed.
Then sat.
“Are you sure you want to keep doing this?”
Rebecca looked at the reports.
“Crosswell employs more than eight hundred people.”
“I know.”
“They didn't cause this.”
“No.”
She leaned back.
“I don't want them paying for Nathaniel's mistakes.”
Howard studied her.
Then smiled.
“Your mother would be proud.”
Rebecca's eyes filled.
Margaret had died four years earlier.
Rebecca still missed her every day.
Howard continued.
“She always said you had a stubborn heart.”
Rebecca laughed softly.
“She meant that as a compliment?”
“Usually.”
They smiled.
Then Howard took her hand.
“Just remember, sweetheart, saving a company doesn't mean you have to save every person who harmed it.”
Rebecca nodded.
May you like
“I know.”
And this time, she truly did.
