Chapter 10- Embezzlement
1019 Words
Damien was now standing before his board and staff for an executive meeting. He immediately called them upon confirming the report Charlene gave him. His private investigators thoroughly dug it, and the three indeed were embezzling almost a million amount of money for the past six months and some amount in the years prior.
It had started with some petty cash amounting to hundreds, then that didn’t satisfy them. It went to thousands and so on.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.” He started, looking at about twenty people sitting in front of him, All the higher staff of every department.
“In front of you are papers that I wanted you to read in silence.” He said, telling the people to open the folders lying on the table. Everyone started picking and reading it. Charlene had prepared all those before the meeting. The report summarized that she and her intelligence plus the private investigators report.
After quite some time, Damien heard buzzes of people talking, murmuring, and looking daze at what they see in the paper. They started looking at Damien, asking if what they were reading was true.
“Yes, that was real. A smart person who is working here was able to find out about all of those reports you are holding. I trust all the people working here, who have worked with my dad and with the former CEO. For the past few months, the company faced difficulties in some financial report.” He said while he was walking from one place to another. His eyes gazed at Ms. Powers. He noticed she was relaxed and acting calm, but her eyes were moving restlessly.
“I've noticed it. I wasn’t blind at the reports the department sending to me,” Damien added, loosening his necktie as he walked back and forth in front of a long table.
“…I asked my trusted my employees to deal with it, yet, nothing happened.No job was done. I kept receiving the same report over and over. It seemed like a small problem, but upon digging in, it was not. ” He then looked at Mr. Lee, who was already sweating and fidgeting.
“I have three people right here, with us in this room, who are aware of what I am saying to you,” Damien paused, inhaling a deep breath. “Embezzling money and stealing our resources is something I can’t shrug off. The police officers are waiting outside as of this moment. But before I reveal them, I want to tell you something.”
He leaned forward, placing both of his hands against the table. His eyes were dark, burrowing stares at each of the people in front of him.
“You f****d up with the company. I will ruin your life,” he said sternly. He was painstakingly and tirelessly managing the company his dad left for them. It took a toll on him since he had to sacrifice his young life over some business deals and the company. He was trained for this at an early age, losing his liberty to spend and enjoy his teenage years.
He was about to say more when Mr. Paulsen stood up and walked towards him, started kneeling in front of him, crying like a child.
“I'm so so sorry, Mr. Davidson, they asked me to do it. I was in so much need, that’s why I did it. Please, please spare me. They pushed me to do this, please, Mr. Davidson,” Paulsen pleaded, whining.
“What damage would have you done more if I didn’t catch you?” Damien was glaring down at Mr. Paulsen. He then looked at Charlene. Charlene understood, and she dialed the receiver next to her.
The police started coming in, went directly to the people involved in the sham. The other innocent staff trembled in shock as they witness the commotion.
“No, this isn’t right. I'm innocent!.” Ms. Powers shouted as the police read her rights. “Whoever did this is going to regret it!!” She was screaming as the police brought her outside.
Mr. Lee was just quiet and voluntarily gave his hands to the police. Mr. Paulsen was still weeping as the police dragged him outside. After the three people were removed, there was a big gap of silence with the remaining staff inside the room. The astonishment was still painted on their faces. They couldn’t believe that it happened.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Damien said, breaking the fear in their eyes.
“This company is built by my beloved father. This is all his sweats and tears, and he died for this. I want you to know that I will put my life on the line to protect everything, including you and your family. The company didn’t lack giving you extreme benefits in return for honesty and hard work. So, if any one of you tries to mess the company, not only will your life be ruined, even your whole family.” He stated, observing them. Some still had fears painted on their eyes; other’s were listening to him intently.
“…but upon doing this thorough investigation, I found some of you aren’t doing your job correctly and efficiently, I am not going to name you, but I will let the HR department deal with you. The meeting is adjourned. Thank you,” Damien clearly stated. No one should try to mess with him because they will feel the wrath of consequences.
The people had left only Damien, and Charlene stayed inside the conference room.
Damien was feeling overwhelmed with what just happened, admitting to himself that part of it was his fault. Had he become more concentrated and focused on his work, this wouldn’t happen. He went out of track because of the drama his mom started and bringing in his life.
What he wanted now was to know who this person was who helped him.
- Writer
