Chapter 10 - THE BILLIONAIRE WHO CHOSE THE TRUTH
Tristan held a press conference two weeks later.
He announced that Bellamy Health Foundation had suspended its relationship with Meridian Clinical Research pending the outcome of the independent investigation.
He also committed to cooperating with regulators and providing support to patients who might have been affected.
Reporters shouted questions.
One asked:
“Mr. Bellamy, are you worried about your company's reputation?”
Tristan looked directly at the cameras.
“Yes.”
He paused.
“But I'm more worried about the people who trusted us.”
The statement made headlines.
Some investors criticized him.
Others praised his transparency.
Whitlock's attorneys accused the foundation of trying to shift blame.
Tristan refused to engage in public accusations beyond the evidence.
The investigation eventually uncovered extensive financial irregularities.
Several executives were implicated in schemes involving fraudulent consulting payments and misleading records.
Whitlock faced criminal charges related to financial misconduct and witness intimidation.
The investigation did not establish that Caroline's fatal accident had been caused by the conspiracy.
That uncertainty was painful.
But Tristan accepted that he couldn't invent an answer simply because he wanted one.
One evening, he visited Caroline's grave.
I went with him.
We stood beneath a gray sky.
Tristan placed white flowers beside the headstone.
Then whispered:
“I wish I'd listened sooner.”
I took his hand.
He looked at me.
“I spent years trying to become powerful enough that nothing could hurt my family.”
His voice broke.
“And I couldn't protect her.”
I squeezed his fingers.
“You loved her.”
He nodded.
“I did.”
“And you can honor her without blaming yourself for everything.”
He closed his eyes.
May you like
Then leaned his forehead against mine.
“Thank you.”
