The financial review uncovered approximately $1.7 million in questionable consulting payments approved under Julian’s authority, along with an expansion plan that could have created a serious cash crisis. Worse, important reports sent to me had been redirected by Julian’s office. At three o’clock, I entered the boardroom where Julian, Vivian, and Lila waited. Julian accused me of destroying him because of our divorce. I reminded him that evidence, not our failed marriage, would determine what happened next.

The directors reviewed invoices, transfers, unsupported expenses, and financial risks Julian hadn’t properly disclosed. When the vote ended, seven directors supported removing him as CEO. Julian stormed out, but the investigation soon revealed something darker. Records connected suspicious payments to Vivian, and some dated back to my father’s final year alive. Then Julian sent me a message claiming Vivian had hidden documents concerning my father. Investigators eventually received an anonymous package containing old financial records and a handwritten letter from Dad. My hands shook as I began reading his final warning.