“This proves absolutely nothing,” he insists.
Seraphina switches to the next slide, which displays the contractual clause—the infamous Reputation Clause that he himself used against her.
“Article Twelve, Section Four,” Seraphina reads. “Any executive whose conduct poses a serious financial, criminal, or reputational risk to the assets of the merger may be removed immediately to protect the fund’s viability.”
Seraphina looks up at the investors, who are now watching her with renewed attention.
“The real risk was never my photographs. It was the man who was stealing money from the fund while using my private life as a media distraction. Don’t you find that ironic?”
No one looks at Seraphina as a fallen executive anymore. Now all eyes are on Adrian, and he knows it. The arrogantconfidence that dominated his demeanor crumbles in her presence.
At that moment, Daphne enters the room accompanied by one of the external financial analysts. She is carrying several file folders and hard drives. Adrian visibly pales for the first time. And Seraphina feels a bitter wave wash through her. After everything she has lost, victory leaves only an icy void inside her.
One of the investors stands up decisively.
“I want immediate access to all those files. Now.”
Another advisor turns toward Adrian with a hardened expression.
“Is this true? Answer honestly.”
Adrian looks around for allies, but he has none left. Financial sharks tolerate many things, but losing money is not one of them.
Seraphina watches as the room quickly turns its back on him. Just an hour ago, they were willing to sacrifice her. Now they need different blood to save the fund. That’s how that world works. It has always worked that way.
“Mr. Beckett, I recommend that you make no further statements until we review…”
“No,” Seraphina interrupts authoritatively. “We’re not going to turn this into another whitewash. I want it noted in the minutes that Adrian Beckett is immediately dismissed as legal counsel and that a formal criminal complaint be filed for embezzlement and financial fraud.”
Adrian glares at her with hatred.
“You can’t decide that,” he growls.
Seraphina holds his gaze without flinching.
“It’s the last thing I’m going to ask for before I get the hell out of here.”
The statement leaves the room silent as she closes her laptop.
“I’m standing by my resignation as CFO.”
The chairman of the board stands up, surprised.
“Seraphina, after this, perhaps we should reconsider…”
“No,” she replies. “I’ve spent years building this institution. And the moment some private photographs surfaced, everyone was ready to sacrifice me without waiting for a single explanation. And that’s why I can’t stay here,” she clarifies with a faint smile. “But I do intend to make sure Adrian Beckett doesn’t destroy these clinics as well. The merger can still be saved if the board immediately reports the internal discovery of the fraud and cooperates fully with the other auditors.”
One of the investors nods immediately.
“We’ll proceed that way.”
Then Seraphina turns her gaze toward the medical leadership.
“And I want one more thing. All employees suspended or removed during this crisis must be reinstated immediately, including Dr. Nerissa Ashcombe. Her surgical contract must be protected against any retaliation stemming from this scandal.”
Adrian lets out a dry, bitter laugh.
“Unbelievable. After all this, you’re still thinking with your pussy.”
