Once Elizabeth was quietly cloistered inside the vacant office and the secret password had been entered, she began her search. According to reports in financial publications tracking Wall Street's movers and shakers, Tri-Star Investment's stock had risen by nearly thirty percent and, more notably, had remained at that exchange rate for over two weeks. In the last month the company had recent acquisitions from several of the same companies Bentley Industries had had transactions with. In addition, they had made bids to purchase the stock in the same companies Jared had solicited, recently. Elizabeth had committed the names of those companies to memory when she was seeking future fund raising events for Jared to consider.
In short, Tri-Star had been shadowing Bentley Industries for the duration of her employment. Here was the proof that Madeline was involved in the breach. She had to know. Although it wasn't clear yet what the reason was behind her actions, Elizabeth instinctively knew she was on the right track.
All the years of her friendship with Madeline flashed by, and the poignant memories died in that instant. A new reality had to be understood and embraced. There wasn't a moment to spare.
[Back to Table of Contents]
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
That same afternoon Nina stretched lazily while the spa attendant gently shook her from her nap and then helped her off the table. Her body-wrap treatment session consisting of a salt scrub, seaweed mud and a full body massage had finally come to end. She'd been looking forward to it all week, a chance to relieve some of the stress and tension she'd been feeling lately. The signs had begun to show, physically; at least she felt this to be the case. But after she showered, dressed and gazed in the mirror, the results were spectacular. It was Friday afternoon and she was ready for the weekend.
As she stepped inside her Mercedes Benz, Nina noticed there were several beeps coming from her cell phone buried inside her purse. She'd specifically instructed her administrative assistant to direct all her calls to her voice mailbox at work. Since it was unlike her to disobey Nina's wishes, it had to be important.
The news of a network security breach at Bentley Industries hit her like a slap in the face, alerting her senses but validating her suspicions, too. The moment she'd been waiting for, planning for, had arrived, and she was poised for action. There was no question in her mind who was to blame for the incident. Of course, Jared had probably seen to it that Sterling stayed silent on the matter. But, Nina had ways of extracting information from him, too.
Half an hour later, Nina walked into Sterling's office unannounced, ignored his annoyed expression and took a seat in one of the chairs facing his desk.
"I'm sure you know why I'm here,” she announced.
Sterling was still wallowing in his inability to get his department up to speed. The security breach had interfered with the production schedule, delaying certain products and device release dates to the manufacturer. All he needed was to be pushed.
"Actually, I have no idea why you're here and, as you can see, I'm quite busy. What is it?” Sterling snapped.
"Why wasn't I notified immediately of the network security breach? I had to find out from my administrative assistant that it involved your department."
"And by telling you what happened, what sort of assistance could you offer? None. Now, if you'll excuse me I have to keep this company running!"
Nina raised an eyebrow at him. “And, I suspect your brother wasn't of much assistance, either. In fact, he probably was busy making excuses for the bitch. Soon she may even convince him to eventually replace you."
That was it! Intellectually, Sterling knew she was pushing his buttons to get some kind of reaction. Still, though, there was a threat in what she'd said, a fear that had plagued him ever since he was first introduced to Elizabeth Lowell. It was evident from the beginning the attractive woman held some significant sway over his brother, and it was only a matter of time before she'd be influencing his decisions, leaving Sterling highly exposed. What was needed now more than ever was a levelheaded individual who could gain the right kind of support and steer the company in the right direction.
"You know him well. And, yes he did defend her,” Sterling quietly agreed.
"That's a given. And, he probably paid for her bail, too, poor stupid man."
Nina was visibly relaxed now, staring out into space, contemplating their next move.
"Well he's not poor, yet..."
"He will be when I'm finished with him."
"What about Elizabeth?"
"You leave her to me."
Around five-thirty Elizabeth had completed her extensive research of Tri-Star's acquisitions. She needed to hurry before they locked down the facility for the evening since didn't have a key card needed for those employees working overtime. She quickly ejected the flash drive from the computer and placed it the zipper pouch of her purse. She switched off the computer, turned off the light and locked the door to the vacant office. She raced down the hallway when the elevator light lit up, signaling its arrival. When the elevator door opened, she came face to face with Nina.
"There you are. I've been searching all over the place for you."
"Why?"
"Follow me."
Elizabeth stepped inside the elevator and Nina pushed a button. Once the elevator arrived at the appropriate floor, both women exited and strode down the hallway leading to Nina's executive suite. Inside, Nina gestured for Elizabeth to take a seat.
"I've just been made aware of your involvement in the network security breach."
"I wasn't ‘involved’ in anything. I was simply doing my job, following instructions for network maintenance. What happened had nothing to do with me."
"The feed from security cameras would prove otherwise. And with the right kind of presentation to the media, you might find yourself with one big lawsuit: Bentley Industries vs. Elizabeth Lowell. Naturally, no one would even consider hiring you after costing an international corporation millions of dollars."
"Jared won't let you get away this. You can't slander my reputation like you did his."
"That's right. As his former PR assistant I suppose you would have first hand knowledge of his image and, as you know, I was very successful manipulating it. It's been almost five years and he's still recovering. Jared won't be able to save you when I pull the strings this time, though."
"Meaning?"
"I do know my ex-husband, my dear. I'm sure you must have noticed he loves money; buys and sells his way through life. Given the choice, we both know which one he'd choose."
Sadly, Elizabeth had to admit, Nina had point.
"It seems to me you only have one option and that is to leave quietly. As of today, your services are no longer needed here. Then, at least your reputation will remain untouched. It might even secure you employment; outside the city, of course."
On the way home, Elizabeth reflected over and over again on her meeting with Nina. Caught between a rock and a hard place, she had little choice other than to accept the inevitable; Jared would choose the money over her. Naturally, this put a damper on her spirits that evening. The truth hurt.
Upon entering the Remington she was oblivious to the smiles of the parking valets or Alfred's, the general manager's gracious greeting.
On the elevator ride Elizabeth was determined to keep it together and put on a facade, if that's what it took to stay calm. It would be pointless to mention Nina’ scheme, or that she was now terminated from Bentley Industries, especially when she already knew the outcome. Better to face the facts.
Jared answered the door, which was unusual.
"Are you hungry? I waited."
"I'm starving. Where's Mandalay?” Elizabeth said, stepping inside.
"I gave him the day off. I was beginning to worry. What took you so long?"
"There's quite a bit to review. But I think you'll be pleased with what I found,” Elizabeth said.
"Great. We can start right away after dinner."
"Can I ask you a question?” Eli
zabeth asked.
Jared gathered her in his arms, held her tight before nibbling her ear lobe. “You can ask me anything you like."
"I know it's really important to you, regaining the controlling shares of Bentley Industries, but is it because of the money, or just knowing you have the majority of shares in the company that will make you happy?"
Jared reflected for a moment.
"Honestly, I think it involves knowing that I'm in control of everything, again. So, I guess that would include the funds, too,” Jared said chuckling.
"But, what if you didn't? Would you be disappointed?"
"Well, that's the position I'm in, now. Nina is in control of the company. Why?"
"I was just wondering, that's all"
"Elizabeth, I founded this company and I want control of what I created."
It sounded plausible enough. Still, Elizabeth suspected his feelings might change at a moment's notice, perhaps, given a different set of circumstances. Clinging to her foresight left her on edge e the entire weekend, forcing her to betray her real feelings and tell him anything but the truth.
By Monday morning, Tri-Star Investments had a lot to celebrate at their quarterly meeting. The facts spoke for themselves, reflected in the numbers, an accomplishment that was met with the highest praise at every level of management.
Compliments flowered around Madeline that morning as she stood outside the crowded boardroom preparing to make her presentation; the golden girl responsible for the sharp rise profits. Her smart, tailored and conservative appearance reflected Tri-Star Investments. The hidden mean behind her demure smile was a lethal reminder of what one could achieve if you had a strategy and the guts to see-it-through. It was a conscious decision made early on; not to let anything personal or moral get in her way. Everything had a price and a cost; here was the reward for paying her dues.
As Madeline peeked through the door left ajar, she saw the room was filled to capacity, a good sign that her inevitable promotion would soon become a reality. Suddenly, her name was announced.
In that instant as she stepped inside the conference room, she was under the glare of heavy scrutiny. Madeline quickly cast her eyes in the direction of the podium, avoiding direct eye contact with anyone until she strode up to the front where Mr. Kilpatrick greeted her.
"Ms. Matherson, so glad you could join us."
A steady round of applause followed as she stepped closer to the microphone.
"My pleasure,” Madeline replied.
When the applause died down, Mr. Kilpatrick continued.
"As many of you know, Ms. Matherson has been the driving force behind many of our more successful acquisitions, her track record second to none. With such stellar achievements and high recommendations I, along with the other board members, have finally had the privilege of reviewing these transactions, up close. Normally, this would be done by our administrators. But this year, one of our members suggested we set-up a committee consisting of our board members and personally oversee the process. And, it's a good thing we did. Ms. Matherson, can you explain how forty thousand dollars suddenly went astray from the corporate fund and still remains untraceable? Or why the sale of product designs we don't manufacturer shows up as a non-profit entity?"
Madeline's heart stopped beating for a few seconds. She'd come too far to let something like a skewed perspective stand her way. As she gazed around the room, her eyes fell upon the unexpected fly in the ointment; Jared Bentley, seated near Mr. Kilpatrick. Madeline felt a chill race down her spine. He was smirking at her. But, more miraculously, Elizabeth was seated beside him. It nearly knocked the wind out of her.
"We're waiting, Madeline,” Mr. Kilpatrick said.
"Board members, you've been sorely misinformed. This ploy of deception was concocted by our rival and former employee as a way of diverting your attention. There is no scandal, here; at least not on my part. I have protected this company's interests and helped it to profit. That is my job and I have a proven track record. Surely this counts for more than hearsay, no less from a competitor."
Several grunts around the room further validated her point. Still, Mr. Kilpatrick refused to let the issue go, as she expected he would.
"It's a simple question requiring a simple answer, Ms. Matherson. If you're innocent you'll provide us with one."
"If you're looking for facts and figures, I admit I'm unprepared. I wasn't expecting to come here today and defend myself."
"Precisely, which is why Mr. Bentley's assistant, our former employee that you suggested we terminate, will now enlighten us... Ms. Lowell. “Elizabeth stood and rattled off facts and figures detailing a cleverly hidden scheme that had worked for years to provide Madeline with expensive clothes, a luxurious residence on Park Avenue and quarterly exotic vacations. When she was done, she lifted her gaze to the accused, her eyes narrowing at the sudden realization that the bitch had also stolen her heirloom. The amber gem seemed to recognize its true owner, and shoot rays of light her way.
"I'd also like to add, that the criminal behavior also extends to burglary and theft."
"You can't do this to me. I'm innocent,” Madeline insisted. “This heirloom was given to me by my great grand father."
"Really? Then, what are the initials written on the inscription?"
"There isn't one,” Madeline snapped.
Mr. Kilpatrick interrupted. “Do we have to call security to get your co-operation?"
Rather than give them the opportunity to discredit her even further, Madeline removed the ring and set it on the podium.
"Now answer the question..."
Dead silence revealed what words had failed to express.
"What does the inscription say, Elizabeth?” Mr. Kilpatrick continued.
"JRB. They are Mr. Bentley's initials. Prior to the ring being stolen, I had it engraved. I had planned to give it to him as a present."
Jared's gaze shifted and pierced the tenderness she felt for him, an emotion so clearly evident in the sound of her voice. The moment was theirs, private and love-induced; no one knew what lay behind the exchange or the true nature of their relationship. At the moment, it didn't matter what others thought.
"I think the members of the board have a clear and more concise idea of the kind of person capable of such actions."
Suddenly, two policemen and two detectives entered the room, pacing their way towards Madeline while several board members gasped. Outraged by the accusation and embarrassment, she pivoted towards Jared.
"Your brother will be running Bentley Industries before you know it, stolen right from under your nose with a little help from the ex..."
The insinuation was meant be taken seriously. As the entire room watched Madeline be handcuffed and then led away by the two policemen, Jared's keen suspicions came to the forefront.
"Has Nina been blackmailing you? Knowing her she'd probably told you some bullshit, like, given the choice, I'd choose the money over you, correct?"
Elizabeth solemnly nodded.
"If that was the case, I would've tossed you aside in the beginning, Elizabeth; much more cost-effective."
Elizabeth's smile soon faded.
"What are you going to do about your brother?"
"Both he and Nina are in for a surprise."
Over the next two days, Jared and Elizabeth garnered more support than they anticipated through the efforts of the Brauwers, who recommended shares of Bentley Industries, or investment in their product development division, to their colleagues. Most were in agreement; they wanted Jared at the helm. Soon, stories of Sterling and Nina's attempts to discredit him and Elizabeth made them the biggest buffoons on Wall Street.
One week later, when Jared promoted Elizabeth to head the newly reorganized product development division, it was reported in the financial publications that day that his ex-wife Nina resigned as chief CEO while his brother Sterling was now under federal investigation for charges of embezzlement.
* * *
Visit www
.renebooks.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.
NON-NEGOTIABLE Page 16