Chapter 3 — The Bracelet That Was Never Lost
I placed the photograph of Vanessa's bracelet on the conference table.
Then I quietly opened my handbag.
Inside rested a velvet jewelry folder.
Purchase receipt.
Insurance certificate.
Custom design sketches.
Every document bore the same serial number engraved inside the hidden sapphire clasp.
The bracelet belonged to me.
Always had.
Human Resources asked Vanessa one simple question.
"Who gave it to you?"
She looked toward Adrian.
He lowered his eyes.
"It was a gift."
"A gift purchased with company funds?"
Silence.
Forensic accountants were called immediately.
The audit uncovered far more than jewelry.
Luxury vacations billed as client meetings.
Corporate apartments used for personal trips.
Consulting contracts awarded to shell companies linked to Vanessa's relatives.
Executive bonuses approved without board authorization.
Millions had quietly disappeared.
The anonymous email had been right.
May you like
Someone had been handing away the company.
Piece by piece.
