Two days later, Rebecca called with an important update. Investigators had found additional records connected to Northbridge Advisory, including correspondence between Richard and individuals who had access to our company’s internal financial information. Daniel had also identified irregular login activity around the dates when the questionable payment requests were created. The records suggested that someone had deliberately used my credentials to make the transactions appear legitimate. Rebecca advised me not to discuss the findings publicly because the investigation was still underway. I agreed, even though keeping quiet while Landon continued telling people I was the problem felt almost unbearable.

That evening, Landon appeared outside my office. He demanded to know why his access had been restricted and accused me of trying to destroy his reputation. I asked him directly about Northbridge Advisory and the $1.2 million payment request. His expression changed for a moment before he laughed and claimed it was a misunderstanding. I told him the company had never authorized the agreement and that investigators were reviewing the records. He suddenly became less confident. “You don’t know what you’re doing,” he said. I looked at him and answered, “For twelve years, I trusted you to tell me the truth. That ends today.”