Chapter 3: What Money Couldn't Buy
Chapter 3: What Money Couldn't Buy
The newspapers called it the biggest corporate shake-up of the year.
But the headlines were only half the story.
For weeks, auditors reviewed contracts approved under Lucas's leadership.
Lavish personal expenses had been billed to the company.
Luxury vacations disguised as business conferences.
Consulting payments to shell companies.
Executive bonuses that violated internal policy.
Most damaging of all were the contracts awarded to Sophie's newly formed marketing firm without competitive bidding.
When questioned, Sophie insisted she knew nothing.
"I just signed what Lucas gave me."
Investigators disagreed.
Meanwhile, Isabella never celebrated.
She spent her days meeting employees instead of reporters.
Many feared layoffs.
Instead, she announced something unexpected.
"No one who worked honestly for this company will lose their job because of someone else's choices."
Relief swept through the workforce.
One longtime receptionist approached her after the meeting.
"I've been here twenty-three years."
"I've never seen anyone thank the staff before."
Isabella smiled.
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"A company isn't built by the name on the corner office."
"It's built by the people who unlock the doors every morning."
