Chapter 11 - THE SCANDAL THAT COULD HAVE DESTROYED THEM
Six months after Olivia became trustee, Caldwell Global faced a financial scandal.
An internal audit uncovered irregular payments connected to a consulting firm.
The transactions had been approved by Julian Price.
The amounts were substantial.
Millions of dollars.
Julian claimed the payments were legitimate.
But the supporting documentation was incomplete.
Olivia reviewed the audit findings with independent counsel.
She recognized several vendor names.
They had appeared in old expense reports.
Reports she'd questioned years earlier.
At the time, Julian had dismissed her concerns.
"Accounting is complicated, Olivia."
Now the same transactions were under investigation.
The board convened an emergency meeting.
Ethan looked exhausted.
Julian sat across from him.
Olivia presented the evidence.
Calmly.
Precisely.
She did not accuse anyone of crimes.
She explained what the records showed and recommended an independent forensic investigation.
Julian's face reddened.
"You're trying to destroy me."
Olivia looked at him.
"No."
She paused.
"I'm trying to make sure the company knows where its money went."
The board approved the investigation.
Julian was placed on administrative leave.
Over the following months, investigators uncovered a network of undisclosed related-party transactions.
Authorities were notified where appropriate.
Ethan cooperated fully.
The scandal damaged the company's reputation.
But the transparent response helped prevent a larger collapse.
One evening, Ethan called Olivia.
"Thank you."
She frowned.
"For what?"
"For not ignoring the problem."
Olivia looked out at the city.
"That's my job."
Ethan was quiet.
Then he said:
"It always was."
She smiled faintly.
May you like
"Yes."
And for the first time, he sounded as though he understood.
