Chapter 11 - THE EMPIRE BEGINS TO CRACK While Richard fought the criminal case, his business empire began collapsing.
Investors demanded his resignation.
The board reviewed years of company decisions.
Several contracts were suspended.
Then auditors discovered irregularities unrelated to the gala incident.
Questions multiplied.
Where had millions in charitable funds gone?
Why were several foundation expenses routed through private consulting firms?
Why did Richard's company have undisclosed financial arrangements with businesses owned by his relatives?
The gala incident had opened a door.
Behind that door was a much larger story.
Richard's lawyers told him to cooperate.
He refused.
"I built this company!"
One board member answered:
"You built the company."
He paused.
"But you destroyed the trust."
Richard slammed his fist onto the table.
"This is because of that woman!"
"No."
The board member looked at him.
"This began long before her."
Richard stared around the room.
For the first time in decades, nobody was afraid of him.
That terrified him more than prison.
Meanwhile, Sarah and Owen were traveling to the orthopedic center.
Owen was about to receive a new prosthetic designed specifically for running.
He was nervous.
"What if I fall?"
Sarah held his hand.
"Then we get back up."
"What if I fall again?"
"We get back up again."
Owen smiled.
"Okay."
The specialist opened the door.
"Ready?"
May you like
Owen took a deep breath.
"Ready."
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