For years, our arrangement seemed to work.
Julian managed daily operations, negotiated contracts, and represented the company publicly. I focused much of my attention on our charitable foundation while maintaining oversight through the board and regular financial reporting.
I trusted my husband completely.
That was my first mistake.
Three months before the incident in the dining room, Hartwell’s longtime accountant contacted me privately.
His voice sounded uneasy.
“Mrs. Bennett, I believe someone is moving money out of the company through suspicious supplier payments.”
I immediately asked him to explain.
He told me that certain invoices didn’t match the services supposedly provided and that the irregular transactions totaled more than $1.8 million.
I was stunned.
Hartwell Industries employed hundreds of people. My father had spent decades building the business, and I knew how much those employees and their families depended on it.
I couldn’t ignore a warning like that.
