The money had been moving through a company called Meridian Strategic Supply.
According to the records, its registered owner was Celeste’s brother.
Several invoices described consulting services that investigators could not verify.
Some of the transactions carried Julian’s electronic approvals.
And the diamond ring was only one of several purchases requiring further explanation.
At four that afternoon, Margaret Ellis called me.
Her voice was serious.
“Maya, we’ve reviewed the preliminary findings. There’s enough evidence to recommend immediate action against Julian’s spending authority and to refer the questionable transactions for further investigation.”
I closed my eyes.
“Are the records preserved?”
“Yes. Outside counsel has copies, and the audit committee has documented its findings.”
I thought about my father.
I remembered him coming home from his first workshop with machine oil on his hands.
I remembered how proudly he’d spoken about the employees who helped him build the business.
