Chapter 25 25 Chapter 25 Company Sabotage Monica's POV The atmosphere in the room thickened as we assembled for the impromptu meeting. My boss had instructed me to lock my office door before joining them, and now as I settled onto the plush sofa beside the others, I could feel the tension radiating from Morris's rigid posture. "I've brought only you four here because you're the only ones I trust right now," Morris began, his voice deliberately low. "What I'm about to share doesn't leave this room." He paused, his gaze sweeping over each of our faces. "Six months ago, I spotted discrepancies in our financial records. Darren and I have been quietly investigating, and the latest financial report confirms our suspicions. Someone is systematically stealing from MontCorp. My stomach knotted. Corporate theft wasn't just about money-it could destroy everything Morris had built. Beside me, Jason leaned forward, his expression mirroring my concern. Darren cleared his throat. "It's worse than simple embezzlement. They're diverting company resources across multiple channels. Plus, we've had an unusual number of clients either scaling back or terminating their contracts entirely." "This sounds like a coordinated attack, Paula interjected, her normally cheerful face drawn with worry. "If it's happening across different fronts, MontCorp could be emptied out completely." "Precisely why I had you retrieve those accounting documents without warning yesterday, Paula, Morris replied, dragging both hands down his face in a rare display of vulnerability. "But the scope is larger than we anticipated. We need a thorough audit-but discretion is paramount." "If multiple departments are involved, this isn't the work of one person," I said, memories from my previous job surfacing. "I witnessed something similar at Carson Construction. A supplier- solid company, impressive profit margins-went bankrupt literally overnight. He was Diego Carson's friend." Darren's eyes narrowed. "Do you know specifics about what happened?" "I do," I nodded, recalling those chaotic months. "Diego loaned me to his friend for three months after his company collapsed. The man had just received a clean bill of health from auditors, only to find himself bankrupt a week later. I helped him sift through the wreckage to identify what happened." Morris's expression brightened. "That's incredibly fortunate for us, Monica. Your experience could prove invaluable. What was the audit's failure point?" "The audit didn't fail-it was compromised," I explained. "The perpetrators bribed the auditors at the outset. That's why I'd advise against announcing an audit. It would only alert the thieves, giving them time to destroy evidence or bribe whoever you bring in." 25 Chapter 25- Company Sabotage: Jason frowned. "But without auditors, how do we identify the guilty parties?" "We create our own covert audit team," I said, warming to my idea. "Hire three or four trustworthy specialists as regular employees. They infiltrate the departments, blending in while gathering intelligence. They could also work after hours, examining records when nobody's watching." Morris and Darren exchanged meaningful glances. "You've got something specific in mind," Morris observed. When I nodded, he gestured for me to continue. "It's straightforward, really. You could empty one floor under the guise of renovation-make it a secure base for our confidential audit team. We place people in every department, not just the suspicious ones. They appear harmless but would document everything. Since you own the building, you could install monitoring equipment without raising alarms. The audit team works. nights, analyzing what our inside people collect during the day." "I like the concept," Darren said, "but why restrict them to night shifts?" "It minimizes contact with employees, reducing the risk of discovery and potential corruption. Plus, strangers entering the building at odd hours would draw attention." "That's brilliant, Monica, Paula said, "but where do we find people we can absolutely trust?" "I could connect you with the specialists who helped Mr. Harris reconstruct his company's downfall. They're independent professionals-highly competent. And Mr. Harris himself would be an exceptional resource." Morris's eyebrows shot up. "Dylan Harris from City Steel? You worked with him?" "Yes. You know him?" "He was my father's close friend. His bankruptcy was bizarre-he told me someone helped him uncover the fraud. That was you?" I nodded. "Yes. Thankfully, he proved the scheme was orchestrated by others, or he might have faced prison time." "That case is legendary," Darren remarked. "The lawsuit continues, and despite several arrests, Harris hasn't recovered much of what was stolen." "Exactly. I visited him recently. He never fully recovered financially, but his family's other ventures prevented complete ruin," I said sadly, thinking of the kind-hearted businessman. "Morris, why not ask Mr. Harris to lead our audit? After his experience, he became something of an expert-took specialized courses in forensic accounting." Morris's expression turned determined. "That's precisely what I'll do. Darren, docs Monica's approach sound viable to you?" 23 25 Chapter 25-Company Sabotage "It's perfect, Darren nodded. "Paula?" "Absolutely ingenious" "Then we proceed with Monica's plan," Morris decided. "There's one more thing-we'll need to work Saturdays at my residence. Monica, Jason-you'll receive compensation for the extra hours. We all nodded in agreement. "And Paula, I know you're transitioning out, but could you return if necessary?" "Of course, darling, Paula responded warmly. "Excellent. I'll arrange a meeting with Harris at my home next Saturday. Paula, please relocate, staff from the floor below the executive suite-that's where we'll install our team. Spread word about renovations. I'll also speak with Tobias from security on Saturday, I trust him implicitly." Morris's voice carried authority and determination. "Remember, stay vigilant and report Janything suspicious. And this operation remains confidential-discussions happen only outside. the company at my residence." We all murmured agreement as the meeting concluded. One by one, my colleagues filed out, but as I rose to leave, Morris called out: "Monica, wait a moment, please," he said, his voice betraying exhaustion beneath his commanding presence. Comment " In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. 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