Friday morning, Rebecca entered my office carrying a new report.
She placed it on my desk.
"The remaining documents have arrived."
I looked up.
"From Richard?"
"Yes. They were submitted late yesterday."
I opened the report.
The finance team had reviewed the new material.
Some entries were now supported by additional paperwork.
Others still lacked complete explanations.
I read the summary slowly.
"Have we checked the original records?"
"Yes. The team compared the submitted documents with the available finance records."
"And?"
"Several differences remain."
I put the report down.
"Can we identify why?"
"Not yet."
I called the finance director into my office.
He arrived carrying a laptop.
He explained the discrepancies in greater detail.
Some amounts had been entered under different descriptions.
Some approval records were incomplete.
A few transactions appeared in departmental summaries but could not yet be matched to the supporting paperwork.
I listened carefully.
"Could these be ordinary administrative mistakes?"
"They could be."
"Could they indicate something more serious?"
"They could also."
I looked at him.
"Then what do you recommend?"
"An expanded independent examination."
I nodded.
"Proceed."
He explained that the review would take additional time.
That was acceptable.
I wanted accurate answers.
Not fast answers.
After he left, Rebecca remained.
"Richard is asking whether he can return to normal duties."
I looked at her.
"Has the review team recommended any restrictions?"
"They recommend closer oversight of certain approvals until the questions are resolved."
"Then implement that recommendation."
"Understood."
I signed the necessary instructions.
The division would continue operating.
Routine decisions could proceed.
But significant financial approvals would receive additional review.
It was a sensible precaution.
At lunchtime, I walked through the executive floor.
I passed several employees working at their desks.
One young woman greeted me.
I returned her smile.
Then I noticed Linda Parker near the administrative area.
She was organizing a stack of documents.
"Good afternoon, Linda."
She looked up.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Collins."
"How are things going?"
"Better, thank you."
I asked whether she had experienced any problems since speaking with the review team.
She hesitated.
"Not directly."
"Good."
She lowered her voice.
"Some people are still worried."
"About what?"
"They think the investigation might affect their jobs."
I nodded.
I had expected that concern.
"Please tell them that the review is focused on management practices and records. We are not looking to punish employees who raise legitimate questions."
Linda smiled slightly.
"Thank you."
I returned to my office.
Later, Rebecca sent a company-wide notice to the relevant division.
It explained the review process and reminded employees that retaliation or interference with confidential interviews would not be tolerated.
I approved the wording.
By late afternoon, I received another call from Richard.
He wanted to know whether the board had reached a decision.
I answered directly.
"Not yet."
"But I've provided the documents."
"Some questions remain."
He sighed.
"I've worked here for eight years."
"I know."
"I've given this company a great deal."
"Your contribution is part of the record."
He paused.
"Then I hope you'll remember that."
I looked out the window.
"I remember everything that is supported by the evidence, Mr. Whitmore."
He ended the call.
I returned to my work.
That evening, Daniel came over.
He looked more relaxed than he had earlier in the week.
He helped me carry groceries from the car.
Then he noticed the blue folder on the kitchen counter.
"Still working?"
"Not tonight."
He smiled.
We made dinner together.
While we were eating, he told me that Vanessa had finally agreed to meet him.
"That's good."
"I want to understand where we stand."
I nodded.
"Be honest with each other."
He looked at me.
"What if we don't agree?"
"Then at least you'll know where you stand."
He put down his fork.
"I don't want a marriage where I have to keep proving I'm good enough."
I felt something soften inside me.
"Then don't accept one."
He nodded.
We didn't discuss Richard again.
After dinner, Daniel washed the dishes.
I dried them.
The small kitchen felt peaceful.
And I was grateful for that.
Click here to continue reading: PART 15: A Quiet Message From Daniel Told Me More About His Engagement Than Any Argument Could Have Revealed
The Evening My Future Daughter-in-Law’s Father Mistook My Quiet Life for a Reason to Humiliate Me
Part 14 of 24
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