I Protected My Drunk Boss From a Dangerous Night — Then She Looked at Me and Said, “I Remember Everything”
Chapter 6
The investigation uncovered more than they expected.
Richard Blake had been secretly communicating with David Mercer.
The messages were indirect.
Encrypted.
But the financial records told a story.
Money had moved from a Mercer investment company into an account controlled by Richard’s brother.
The payments were disguised as consulting fees.
Victoria stared at the documents.
“He’s been planning this for months.”
Ethan nodded.
“Longer.”
“Why?”
“Because he needs you removed before the board meeting.”
“When?”
“Two weeks.”
The board planned to vote on the European division.
If Victoria refused the sale, Richard wanted enough support to force her out.
David would buy the division cheaply.
The attempted attack was part of the pressure campaign.
Victoria refused to be intimidated.
“Then we expose them.”
Ethan nodded.
They gathered evidence.
Emails.
Transfers.
Messages.
Meeting recordings.
One problem remained.
They needed someone willing to testify.
A former executive assistant named Laura Martinez agreed.
She had resigned six months earlier.
She told them Richard had asked her to falsify meeting records.
She had refused.
Then she was fired.
Her statement was powerful.
The evidence became overwhelming.
The board meeting arrived.
Richard entered confidently.
David sat beside him.
Victoria sat at the head of the table.
Ethan stood behind her.
Richard began.
“We need a leadership transition.”
Victoria smiled.
“Agreed.”
Richard looked surprised.
She continued:
“But not the one you’re expecting.”
She handed each board member a file.
Silence filled the room.
Richard read.
His face changed.
David stood.
“What is this?”
“Evidence.”
Richard looked at Victoria.
“You can’t prove—”
“We already did.”
The board reviewed the documents.
One director called legal counsel.
Another called federal investigators.
David left the room.
Richard remained frozen.
Victoria looked at Ethan.
He nodded.
They had won.
But the story wasn’t over.
Because Richard had one last move.
He released private information about Ethan and Victoria to the press.
The headline appeared that evening.
CEO Secretly Dating Senior Executive After Hotel Incident
It suggested misconduct.
The details were exaggerated.
People online speculated.
Victoria was furious.
Not because of herself.
Because Ethan was being dragged into it.
He looked at her.
“Let them talk.”
“They’re attacking you.”
“I know.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.”
He took her hand.
“I chose this.”
She stared at him.
“You did.”
“Yes.”
He smiled.
“I choose you now too.”
