Chapter 4 - THE EXECUTIVE WHO CONTROLLED EVERY SECRET
Charles Price had spent twenty-seven years working for Calder Hospitality Group.
He was one of the company's most powerful executives.
He was also Vanessa's father.
And according to Greg, he controlled financial transfers connected to Evelyn's Fund.
Alexander stared at his manager.
"Explain."
Greg looked toward the entrance.
For a moment, I thought he might run.
Then he whispered, "The money isn't going where the reports say."
Alexander's expression hardened.
"Where is it going?"
"I don't know everything."
"Then tell me what you know."
Greg swallowed.
"Charles's office sends instructions. Corporate finance processes the transfers. The restaurant managers are told not to question them."
I felt sick.
For months, I'd wondered why employees were being rejected.
Now I was learning the problem might extend far beyond our restaurant.
Then Greg looked toward me.
"I'm sorry, Lily."
I stared.
"For what?"
"For suspending you."
I didn't answer.
He'd done it because Vanessa demanded it.
He'd humiliated me in front of customers.
And he'd nearly taken away the paycheck I needed to pay rent.
An apology mattered.
But it didn't erase the harm.
Alexander turned toward the grandfather.
"Grandpa, let's get you home."
The old man shook his head.
"Not yet."
His expression became serious.
"I want to know how far this goes."
Alexander hesitated.
Then nodded.
He arranged for the company's legal and compliance teams to preserve relevant records, while his grandfather requested an independent investigation.
I was asked to provide a formal statement.
Rebecca Collins, an employment attorney, agreed to represent me.
For the first time, I had someone explaining my rights instead of telling me to be grateful for having a job.
The following week, investigators reviewed employee assistance records.
Several applications appeared to have been altered.
Some approvals were linked to people who didn't exist.
Others listed employees who had never applied.
Then the financial review uncovered a pattern.
Payments were routed through a consulting company called Price Strategic Solutions.
Its owner?
Charles Price.
I stared at the document.
"He named it after himself?"
Rebecca nodded.
"Apparently."
The arrogance almost made me laugh.
Then she continued.
"The company received substantial payments described as administrative expenses."
My stomach tightened.
"From the assistance fund?"
"That's what the records suggest."
I covered my mouth.
Money intended for employees facing emergencies.
Money meant to honor Evelyn Calder.
Transferred to a wealthy executive's private company.
Then another discovery surfaced.
A payment to a construction contractor.
The company name looked familiar.
Carter & Sons Renovation Services.
My heart stopped.
Mason's former employer.
The company that laid him off three months earlier.
I stared.
"Why would Evelyn's Fund send money to Mason's company?"
Rebecca checked the records.
Then frowned.
"The payment is described as an emergency subcontracting expense."
My stomach tightened.
"That's not possible."
She looked up.
"Why?"
"Because the company told Mason it lost its contracts and couldn't afford payroll."
Rebecca slowly turned another page.
May you like
Her expression changed.
Then she whispered, "Lily, the company received more than six hundred thousand dollars the same month Mason was laid off."
