Page 25 of Crude Heir

This could mean anything. I’m not falling for a leading question only to end up giving her the answer. “What. Did. You. Find?”

“Nothing.” The rise and fall of her chest increases. “I was trying to find proof of the stolen funds to take to Mr. Kelly. The senior Mr. Kelly,” she explains in a nervous rush.

“I was right,” I mutter. That’s what she’s been chasing.

Emotions flit across her expressive face—unease, curiosity, wonder. “How did you know something was missing?”

Your father doesn’t want—

“My mother,” I answer, ignoring her reminder.

She exhales a long breath. “So, Mr. Kelly knows about the money?” she asks quietly.

“Yes.” I hesitate in sharing more, filled with a mixture of relief, frustration, and annoyance. At least she’s finally been honest with me, but I had to catch her in a damn lie before she’d fess up on what she found.

Giving in, I decide to fill her in on her beloved Mr. Kelly. “She said he had the heart attack when he learned about the theft.”

Her eyebrows gather, forming a pained expression. “I’m so sorry.”

I give her a grim nod. “It’s not surprising, considering someone has taken millions from the company.”

The healthy color leaves her cheeks. “It’s more like tens of millions.”

* * *

Nicole

“Tens of millions?” Derrick repeats in disbelief. “Are you sure?”

I nod, my throat tight. “At the very least. Probably more.” I’m still praying I’m wrong, but I doubt that’s the case.

He swears under his breath and begins pacing across the space in front of the desk, restless energy radiating off of him.

“I thought you knew,” I say carefully.

“She told me what happened, but I don’t know if she’s aware of how much is gone.” Even in the muted light, I can see his frown as he folds his arms in front of his chest.

The wind gusts, rattling the windows so violently I jump. Get a grip! It’s only a storm, albeit a strong one.

“I’m not even sure I know what’s missing,” The entire review has been like chasing a ghost.

“How did no one notice until now? That kind of money doesn’t just vanish without raising some serious red flags.”

The weight of responsibility sitting heavily on my shoulders. “I tried telling Mr. Kelly, Simon Kelly,” I clarify, feeling small and helpless.

His head whips in my direction, his gaze sharply focusing on me. “What did he say?”

“He said he expected it would be miscoding. Then he thanked me and said he’d check into it.” I shrink back, uncomfortable with what I know is coming.

“And was it miscoding?” he inquires, as I fully anticipated.

I wrap my arms around myself. “I, um…” I glance at the floor, hating to admit I questioned the Chief Financial Officer, and future owner of the company. “Well, I went back to check and by then everything was right.”

“You mean the money was put back?” he asks, gruffly.

“He called me in later and said everything was taken care of. He was doing an extensive audit and correcting the miscoding he was finding.” I shrug, remembering his nasty attitude. “And I didn’t have to worry about it anymore.”

“I’m sure he didn’t appreciate being questioned.” Derrick scowls. “You’re probably lucky you didn’t get fired.”

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