Chapter 11 - Unmasking the Empire
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"This changes nothing!" Julian stammered, his hands shaking violently as he gripped the chair. "Even if she backed the initial loan, the contract is active! She can't just revoke it because of a personal marital dispute!"
"Ordinarily, that would be true," Arthur replied calmly. "However, Section 14B allows the guarantor to immediately freeze all assets and demand full repayment if the executive team engages in corporate embezzlement or severe breach of fiduciary duty."
Arthur signaled to his forensic accountant.
A new slide appeared on the projector. It listed hundreds of line-item expenses spanning the last three years.
Grand Regency Suite 802: $140,000 (Charged to Corporate Development)
Diamond Necklace - Cartier: $85,000 (Charged to Client Relations)
Private Jet to Miami: $62,000 (Charged to Investor Relations)
Beside each expense was a signature confirmation.
"These expenses were approved using Mr. Cross's executive credentials," the auditor stated. "And the beneficiary of these luxury items was Ms. Chloe Bennett, your Communications Director."
The board members turned toward Chloe with sharp, angry glares.
"That's a lie!" Chloe shrieked, standing up. "Those were legitimate business expenses! I was building relationships with clients!"
"In a hotel bedroom at two in the morning?" Arthur countered deadpan. "We have the keycard logs, Ms. Bennett."
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Julian turned on Chloe, his face red with panic. "You told me those charges were categorized under international PR!"
"You signed them, Julian!" Chloe screamed back, her polished facade completely crumbling. "Don't lay this on me! You were right there with me in Miami!"
