The Call Boy I Met in Paris – Episode 69
The word embezzlement brought Karen and Stella back from the hallway. They had lingered beyond the doors, expecting Cooper’s vote to remove Sophie, but the arrest had transformed their confidence into alarm. Stella entered before security could stop her.
Sophie continued as if the interruption were expected. “The records show company funds routed through false consulting expenses and transferred into accounts unrelated to legitimate projects.”
Directors compared the transaction lists. Several payments carried approval codes linked to Cooper, but other documents pointed toward access used by members of Sophie’s family.
“If the person responsible admits involvement voluntarily,” Sophie said, “I will treat the cooperation as surrender to the authorities and provide it with the evidence.”
Her gaze settled on Stella. “Did you hear me?”
Stella took a step back. “Why are you asking me? I have nothing to do with this.”
“Then you should have no objection to a complete audit.”
“Do not pin this on me because Cooper was arrested.” Stella’s voice rose. “You humiliated me at the reception, and now you are inventing another accusation.”
The defensiveness told Sophie more than a denial delivered with outrage was meant to reveal. Stella knew the transactions existed and feared where a full investigation might lead.
“Kendall,” Sophie said, “escort her out.”
Kendall moved toward Stella, but Karen stepped between them. “Enough. Your sister is still young. You are ruining her life.”
“If Stella took money from this company, she ruined her own life.” Sophie looked toward her father. “The same applies to anyone who helped her.”
Karen called her malicious, insisting that family disputes should remain private. The argument exposed exactly how she viewed Swift Enterprise: not as a company with employees and shareholders, but as family property that could be used without accountability.
“All of you, out,” Sophie ordered. She included her father in the dismissal. “The audit will proceed, and the results will go to the authorities.”
Her father rose slowly. Disappointment, anger, and something like shame moved across his face, but he left without defending either daughter.
Stella followed Karen toward the door. Sophie waited until the directors departed, then asked Kendall to remain outside and close the room.
Before Stella could escape into the elevator, Sophie caught her by the arm and drew her into the empty side office. “You still have nothing to say?”
Stella pulled free, but fear had replaced indignation. The audit, the drugging investigation, and the threatened review of the Monet Award had left her with nowhere safe to stand.