Chapter 14 - 7 — Material Misrepresentation and Misconduct.
I read it twice.
Then a third time.
The agreement stated that the company could cancel an unvested equity award if an executive engaged in serious misconduct, falsified records, or concealed material conflicts of interest.
I looked up.
“Preston signed this?”
Gideon nodded.
“Six months ago.”
“And he thinks the shares become his after the gala?”
“Yes.”
I stared at the page.
“Does he know you're investigating?”
“Not yet.”
I leaned back.
For months, Preston had treated me like an inconvenience.
He'd called me repulsive.
He'd hidden his affair.
He'd allowed Cassidy to design an event intended to expose my scars.
And all the while, he'd been waiting for a financial reward.
I looked at Gideon.
“What happens if the investigation proves he committed fraud?”
“His award can be canceled. Other consequences would depend on the evidence and the relevant legal proceedings.”
I swallowed.
“Then I want the truth.”
Gideon nodded.
“So do I.”
That afternoon, I contacted a divorce attorney named Eleanor Price.
She was direct, experienced, and entirely unimpressed by Preston's professional status.
After reviewing the basic facts, she asked:
“Do you have access to your personal financial records?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Preserve copies of records you're lawfully entitled to access.”
I nodded.
“And Vivian?”
“Yes?”
“Don't warn him about the investigation. Let the company's legal team handle that.”
I exhaled.
“Understood.”
That evening, I returned home.
Preston was sitting in the living room with a glass of whiskey.
He looked up.
“Where have you been?”
“At work.”
He frowned.
“You're late.”
I set down my bag.
“I had a meeting.”
“With whom?”
“Gideon.”
His expression changed.
“What did he want?”
I studied him.
For the first time, I noticed the fear beneath his irritation.
“Work,” I said.
Preston relaxed slightly.
Then looked at my clothes.
“Cassidy says the gala invitations went out.”
“Yes.”
“You saw the dress code?”
“Yes.”
He smiled.
“Then I assume you're staying home.”
I looked at him.
“No.”
His smile vanished.
“What?”
“I'll be attending.”
Preston stared.
“Vivian, don't embarrass yourself.”
I held his gaze.
“I won't.”
He laughed.
“You know what people will see.”
I looked down at my hands.
For years, those words would have broken me.
Tonight, they only made me certain.
I lifted my chin.
“Then they'll see the truth.”
May you like
And I walked upstairs.
Leaving my husband staring after me.
