Julian struck the table with his palm.
“You can’t destroy everything I’ve built because of a personal affair!”
I shook my head.
“Your affair is a matter between us. The financial misconduct is a matter for the board and the appropriate authorities.”
Margaret continued the meeting.
She explained that the independent directors had voted to suspend Julian from his position immediately, remove his authority to approve company spending, and place Celeste on administrative leave pending the completion of formal employment proceedings.
Outside counsel had preserved the financial records and was preparing the necessary referrals.
Julian slowly lowered himself into his chair.
For the first time since I’d known him, he looked genuinely uncertain about what would happen next.
“Maya,” he whispered, “please. We can fix this.”
I looked at him.
For seven years, I’d trusted him with my marriage and my father’s business.
I’d defended him when people questioned his decisions.
