Chapter 6 - Brandon Admits He Knew The Source
Brandon admitted he knew some invoices were being paid from restricted
money.
He claimed Paul Mercer told him the transfers were temporary.
According to Brandon, the foundation regularly borrowed between internal
funds when cash timing became difficult.
He assumed it was legal.
Emma asked whether he knew Shoreline Advisory was receiving those
payments.
“Yes.”
“Did you know Shoreline was yours?”
Brandon glared.
“Obviously.”
“Then did you disclose that to the foundation?”
Silence.
That answer mattered.
Related-party work was not automatically prohibited.
Undisclosed related-party work was different.
Brandon said Victoria knew Shoreline existed.
Victoria snapped:
“I knew you had another company. I did not know foundation money was
going there.”
Their stories had separated.
Emma asked why Brandon charged through Shoreline instead of Coastal
Luxe.
He said Shoreline handled consulting.
Lena asked for contracts.
Brandon had none available.
Henry ended the meeting.
Independent counsel and forensic accountants would take over.
No family member would supervise the review.
Emma agreed.
Then she surprised everyone.
She recused herself too.
Victoria laughed bitterly.
“Now you’re pretending to be neutral?”
Emma looked at her.
“No. I’m directly involved. You assaulted me in front of a ballroom. I’m
not neutral.”
That was exactly why she should not control the investigation.
Henry looked proud.
May you like
Emma wished he did not.
She was tired of the room turning basic judgment into heroism.
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