Chapter 13 - THE VERDICT OF THE BOARD
The foundation board convened in January.
All five trustees attended.
So did independent counsel, the auditors, and representatives responsible for implementing financial safeguards.
Oliver was invited to respond to the findings through his attorney.
He declined to attend personally.
Loretta sat at the head of the conference table.
Before her lay the final audit report.
The investigation had identified more than five million dollars in questionable expenditures and transfers, including payments unsupported by legitimate services.
The auditors recommended legal recovery efforts, new approval procedures, and independent oversight.
Eleanor Whitcomb opened the meeting.
"We have one responsibility today."
She looked around the table.
"To protect the foundation."
The trustees reviewed the evidence.
They questioned the auditors.
They examined the proposed restructuring agreement.
Then they voted.
Oliver's executive authority was terminated.
The restructuring proposal was rejected.
The board approved a plan to pursue recovery of misappropriated funds and cooperate with law enforcement.
Independent financial controls would be implemented immediately.
The vote was unanimous.
Loretta looked down at her hands.
She had expected relief.
Instead, she felt exhaustion.
Eleven years of marriage had ended in legal documents, financial reports, and a room full of people discussing the man she once loved.
Eleanor touched her arm.
"Margaret would be proud."
Loretta smiled sadly.
"I hope so."
"She was proud long before this."
After the meeting, Robert Chen approached her.
"There's something I should tell you."
Loretta looked up.
"Oliver approached me last year."
"About what?"
"The restructuring."
She waited.
"He said you were losing interest in the foundation. That you wanted to step away."
Loretta stared.
Robert looked ashamed.
"I should have spoken to you directly."
"Yes," she said.
"You should have."
He nodded.
"I'm sorry."
Loretta considered him.
Then she replied:
"Help us make sure nobody can do this again."
Robert agreed.
That afternoon, the foundation announced new financial safeguards and an expanded scholarship program.
The public statement contained no insults.
No accusations beyond the documented findings.
No theatrical revenge.
May you like
Loretta had already had her moment on the gala stage.
Now she had work to do.
