“How much is actually missing?”
“We do not yet know the final amount,” Samuel said. “The audit is continuing. We have identified transfers that require investigation, and some funds may be recoverable.”
Daniel sat down heavily.
“Why didn’t you tell me, Mom?”
Eleanor looked at him.
“I did.”
He raised his head.
“Not like this.”
“I asked you to review the invoices. I told you that the company names did not match the services being billed. I asked you to delay the expansion until we had answers.”
“You said Celeste might be involved.”
“I said the company she recommended was involved.”
Daniel looked away.
“I thought you didn’t like her.”
“I was willing to be wrong about her.”
The words landed quietly, but Daniel flinched.
Before he could respond, the conference room door opened.
Celeste entered wearing the same black blazer she had worn the night before. Her hair was immaculate, her expression composed. She carried a slim leather portfolio and looked around the room with the confident impatience of someone who believed the meeting existed to accommodate her schedule.
“Daniel, there you are,” she said. “I’ve been trying to reach you all morning.”
Then she noticed Eleanor.
Her smile vanished.
“What is she doing here?”
The chair of the trustees, Margaret Ellis, stood.
“Ms. Harrington, this meeting concerns the foundation’s financial administration. Please take a seat.”
Celeste did not move.
“I’m not an employee of the foundation.”
“You have been nominated to serve as its incoming executive director,” Margaret replied. “That appointment is currently under review.”
Celeste looked at Daniel.
“What’s going on?”
He pushed a folder toward her.
“Tell me what Northstar Strategies is.”
