Chapter 7 - THE SECRET ACCOUNT IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
The next revelation came through the independent forensic review.
Investigators identified payments routed through several consulting entities connected to the Westbridge acquisition.
Some payments were legitimate.
Others lacked sufficient documentation.
One series of transfers led to an offshore account.
The account was held by a company named Meridian Advisory Holdings.
Its beneficial ownership records raised questions about Nathaniel's involvement.
Rebecca sat in Eleanor's office as the findings were explained.
“How much?”
Eleanor looked at the report.
“Approximately fourteen million dollars in transfers are under review.”
Rebecca stared.
“Fourteen million?”
“Yes.”
“From Crosswell?”
“Some funds originated from acquisition-related transactions. The exact sources and purposes are being traced.”
Rebecca closed her eyes.
Nathaniel had told her the acquisition was expensive because Westbridge's technology was valuable.
Now she wondered how much of the purchase price had been diverted through questionable arrangements.
Sloane's attorney contacted the committee.
She offered to cooperate.
In exchange, she wanted her own conduct evaluated separately from Nathaniel's.
The committee agreed to receive her evidence without promising immunity or any particular outcome.
Sloane provided emails.
Financial records.
And messages from Nathaniel.
One message read:
Once Westbridge closes, we won't need Langford's approval for everything.
Another:
Rebecca doesn't understand the structure. Keep it that way.
Rebecca stared at the screen.
Her stomach tightened.
Nathaniel hadn't merely hidden an affair.
He had deliberately excluded her from information relevant to the investment firm she represented.
Eleanor watched her carefully.
“Rebecca?”
She swallowed.
“I'm fine.”
Eleanor raised an eyebrow.
Rebecca laughed bitterly.
“No. I'm not fine.”
She looked at the message again.
“I trusted him.”
Eleanor nodded.
“I know.”
“I helped him build this company.”
“Yes.”
“And he treated me like an obstacle.”
Eleanor reached across the table.
“Then let the evidence determine what happens next.”
Rebecca nodded.
She had learned that revenge was tempting.
But accountability required patience.
That evening, Nathaniel appeared outside the Langford residence.
Howard met him at the gate.
Nathaniel looked exhausted.
“Mr. Langford.”
Howard remained still.
“Nathaniel.”
“I need to speak with Rebecca.”
“She doesn't want to see you.”
“Please.”
Howard studied him.
“You had twelve years to listen to my daughter.”
Nathaniel looked down.
“I know.”
“Did you?”
Nathaniel said nothing.
Howard continued.
“She believed in you when your company had three employees.”
Nathaniel swallowed.
“She supported your ambitions.”
“Yes.”
“And you repaid her by humiliating her publicly.”
Nathaniel closed his eyes.
Howard's voice remained calm.
“I won't decide whether Rebecca forgives you. That's hers to decide.”
He stepped back.
“But I will respect her decision not to see you.”
The gate remained closed.
Nathaniel stood there for several minutes.
Then walked away.
Inside, Rebecca watched from an upstairs window.
For a moment, she remembered the young man who used to wait outside her apartment holding takeout food.
The man who told her he'd never stop trying to make her laugh.
She pressed a hand against the glass.
May you like
Then turned away.
Because missing someone didn't mean she had to return to them.
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