“Well, look at that, Garth. A woman just shut you down—mercilessly.”
Jasper shot him a dark look, stayed still for a moment longer, then exhaled slowly. He pushed his chair back, stood up, and headed for the door.
She finally let herself relax when it closed behind him. But only briefly. She turned to Nolan.
“So. Why did you ask me to meet?”
“The evaluation results will be ready soon,” Nolan said calmly, leaning forward.“Which means it’s time for phase two.”
Something tightened inside her.
“Phase two?”
Nolan nodded.
“We need a reason to trigger an audit ofFrank Osborne’scompany.”
She blinked, not quite following.
“An audit?”
“Yes.” He set the menu aside and leaned back.“Someone has to initiate it. Ideally—through a formal complaint.”
“A complaint?”
She repeated the word, still unsure where this was going.
“It’s simple, Nina.” He laced his fingers together, looking at her with a faint smile.
“In any large company—especially one like your husband’s—there are always financial irregularities. Embezzlement. Fake tenders. Money siphoned through shell companies. It’s only a matter of time before someone points to the right spot.”
She stayed silent, processing.
“But who can actually start an audit?”
“The IRS,” Nolan said with a shrug.“If they receive a complaint from an employee or a business partner, an audit usually follows pretty quickly.”
Her lips pressed together.
“You’re suggesting I find someone willing to report him?”
Nolan smiled.
“Find? I doubt you’ll need to look very hard. I’m sure Frank has plenty of enemies right in his own office.”
She leaned back, exhaling slowly.
“Is that…legal?”
Nolan snorted softly.
“Filing a complaint with the IRS? Completely legal—if there are legitimate grounds. This move helps us push your husband out of the company. And once the audit starts, fraud and financial crime charges won’t be far behind.”
She looked away, thinking. Could Robert Stanfield work? No. She didn’t want to drag him into this. He’d retired quietly after years of service.
“You’ve got someone in mind, don’t you?” Nolan asked, watching her closely.
She stayed quiet. Then a name flashed in her mind.
