When I raised the issue with Julian, however, he brushed it aside.
“It’s probably an accounting discrepancy, sweetheart. Don’t worry yourself over something the finance department can handle.”
I asked whether an independent review would be appropriate.
He sighed.
“Maya, you hired me to run the company. Let me do my job.”
That answer made me more concerned, not less.
So I spoke privately with Margaret Ellis, the independent board chair, and our outside legal counsel.
We agreed that the financial irregularities needed to be reviewed without interference.
An independent forensic audit was initiated.
At the same time, I wanted to understand what was happening inside the company beyond the reports placed on my desk.
With the knowledge and approval of the appropriate people, I temporarily joined the administrative staff using my maiden name.
Maya Hart.
To most employees, I was simply a new temporary worker.
I wore ordinary office clothes, handled paperwork, assisted with scheduling, and spent my lunch breaks with the staff.
