Chapter 13 - The Second Audit
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By the end of the month, the federal authorities completed their forensic audit of Vale Hospitality.
The news broke on every major financial network on Tuesday morning: DOMINIC VALE ARRESTED ON FEDERAL FRAUD AND EMBEZZLEMENT CHARGES.
The television in my living room showed footage of Dominic being led out of his motel room in handcuffs by federal agents. He was wearing an oversized gray sweatshirt, his hair unwashed, his face hollow and pale as flashbulbs exploded around him.
Simone sat on my sofa, sipping coffee while reviewing the press release.
"He's facing up to twelve years in federal prison," Simone noted. "The prosecutor said his attempt to hide assets during the divorce proceedings added two counts of bankruptcy fraud to the indictment."
"And the hotels?" I asked, carrying Clara in my arms.
"Victor Vance officially rebranded the entire chain under the name Vance & Clara International," Simone grinned. "The stock price bounced back twenty percent this morning. The board wants you to take over as Chief Risk Officer next month."
May you like
I walked over to the large window overlooking the park. The morning sun was bright, burning away the autumn mist over the trees.
"Chief Risk Officer," I murmured, watching the strollers in the park below. "I spent seven years assessing risk for a man who didn't value my mind. It's time I run the risk strategy for my daughter's future."
