Chapter 7 - The Audit
The silence in the ballroom was absolute.
Julian Drake swallowed hard, his hands visibly shaking as he took a step back toward the edge of the stage. "That... that is a complete lie! You are making baseless accusations because you’re losing control of your mind, Ethan!"
"Am I?" Ethan asked calmly.
He tapped a button on a small remote in his hand. The massive projection screen behind the stage—which was supposed to display the company's annual marketing video—suddenly flashed to life.
Exposed across the twenty-foot screen were bank statements, wire transfers, forged invoice receipts, and encrypted emails detailing a systematic embezzlement scheme orchestrated by Julian Drake and Richard Sterling spanning three full years.
The board members gasped in outrage. Security officers stationed at the back of the room immediately began moving down the side aisles toward the stage.
"Three years ago, when Sarah died, I was broken," Ethan said softly into the microphone, looking down at his sleeping daughter, whose small hand was wrapped around his pinky finger. "I trusted the wrong people to protect what she and I built. But I am awake now."
Ethan looked directly at Julian. "You thought my grief made me weak, Julian. You failed to understand that a man who has lost the love of his life has nothing left to fear. You didn't take my power—you just held it while I rested."
Julian looked around frantically. His allies on the board were looking away, completely washing their hands of him. The security team reached the front of the stage.
"Julian Drake, Richard Sterling," Ethan declared, his voice echoing with absolute authority. "You are both terminated from Vance Hospitality. Federal authorities have already been notified, and financial fraud investigators are waiting for you in the lobby."
"Ethan, wait! Please!" Julian panicked, his arrogant persona completely evaporating into pathetic desperation. "We can work this out! It was Richard’s idea! He forced me into it!"
"Save it for the grand jury, Julian," Ethan said coldly.
Two heavy-set security officers stepped onto the stage, grabbing Julian by his arms and forcing him down the steps, while two more escorted a sobbing Richard Sterling out of the ballroom doors.
The remaining audience erupted into a thunderous, standing ovation. Board members, staff, and regional managers stood up, clapping frantically—not just for the dramatic downfall of a corrupt executive, but for the return of the true leader of Vance Hospitality.
Ethan turned to Lupita, who was standing on the side of the stage, tears of joy sparkling in her eyes.
May you like
He held the microphone toward her. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to officially introduce you to the new Director of Guest Relations for our flagship property... Ms. Lupita Alvarez."
The room cheered even louder. Lupita covered her face with her hands, crying tears of overwhelming relief and gratitude, as Ethan placed a comforting arm around her shoulders.
