She Arrived at the Billionaire’s Door With Nothing But a Baby and a Secret — Then an Unopened Letter Changed Everything He Believed About Her.

PART 5

Two days later, Castellan Meridian’s board chairman called an emergency meeting.

Everett Voss had released financial records showing that Harborline Trust received $4.6 million from a charitable foundation funded by Castellan Meridian. The money had been approved under Weston’s electronic signature.

Cole Meridian — Castellan Meridian stock fell twelve percent before lunch. Federal investigators requested documents. Three board members demanded that Weston take a leave of absence.

“He did this because of me,” Wren said, horrified.

“He did this because he had the records ready,” Weston said. “You were simply the first person to force him to use them.”

His general counsel traced the authorizations to a philanthropic program managed by Castellan Meridian’s chief operating officer, Owen Delacroix. Owen had been Weston’s mentor since his father died.

When confronted, Owen did not deny approving the grants. “Harborline had excellent outcomes. Every dollar passed compliance.”

“Through shell vendors,” Weston replied. “Three of them share an accountant with Everett.”

“Are you taking the word of that woman over mine?”

“Which woman?”

“Wren Ashcombe. The unstable employee Everett warned us about last year.”

Weston had not mentioned Wren.

Security escorted Owen from the building. “Your father understood loyalty,” Owen said. “You will burn this company for a woman who came to you only after another man discarded her.”

Weston’s reply was quiet. “My father also understood the difference between loyalty and complicity.”