Chapter 57: This Isn’t Over
The room fell silent, the weight of Alex's words landing like a hammer. Mr. Caldwell, adjusting his glasses, scrolled through the document on Alex's phone. The further he read, the more his expression darkened.
"This... this is serious," Caldwell murmured.
Claire, her posture straight and unyielding, spoke next. "Serious doesn't even begin to cover it. Jake has not only betrayed the company but also this family. His actions so far have jeopardized everything we've worked for."
A wave of murmurs spread through the room as the directors exchanged shocked glances. Jake, caught off guard, leaned forward in his chair.
"This is ridiculous!" Jake snapped, trying to sound indignant. "Where did you even get this? Some fabricated nonsense from Alex to save his own skin?"
He turned to look at Alex, his gaze piercing. "Admit it. You're framing me to cover up your own failures!"
"It's from the forensic investigation into the scandal you instigated," Alex said coldly. "The same scandal you hoped would discredit me. But instead, it exposed you."
Jake's confident facade faltered, his eyes darting nervously around the room. "You can't seriously believe this. You think I'd risk my position, my reputation, for... for money?"
Claire leaned forward, her tone icy. "Yes, Jake. Because you've proven time and again that loyalty and ethics mean nothing to you."
"I demand proof," Jake said, his voice cracking slightly. "This could be anyone's doing!"
"Mr. Caldwell, if you'd be so kind as to share the details with the board," Alex said, gesturing to the phone.