Chapter 13 - The Corporate Audit
While Julian waited for his final sentencing hearing at Cook County, the ripples of his greed continued to tear through Vance Medical Systems.
With Victoria Vance locked in a state holding facility following her guilty plea for corporate espionage, the board of directors at Vance Medical launched an aggressive, scorched-earth internal investigation to salvage their remaining market valuation.
On a chilly Tuesday afternoon, Harrison and I received an unexpected request for an informal conference from the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Vance Medical, Arthur Vance Jr.—Victoria’s uncle, who had taken control of the board to clean up the disaster.
We met in a private conference room at a high-end hotel downtown.
Arthur Vance Jr. was a man in his late sixties with silver hair, sharp grey eyes, and a posture that radiated absolute, pragmatic survival. He sat across from us with his chief compliance officer, looking at me with deep, calculated respect.
“Mrs. Mercer,” Arthur Vance Jr. began, skipping any false pleasantries. “I asked for this meeting to deliver a formal, unreserved apology on behalf of the board of directors of Vance Medical Systems.”
I kept my hands folded on the table. “I’m listening, Mr. Vance.”
“My niece’s actions were grotesque, illegal, and entirely antithetical to our corporate charter,” he continued, sliding a thick leather binder toward Harrison. “We have completed our internal audit. We found three other regional procurement contracts where Victoria utilized illegal kickbacks and personal coercion to secure bids.”
Harrison picked up the binder, scanning the financial pages. “Why bring this to us?”
“Because Vance Medical wants a clean break,” Arthur Vance Jr. stated firmly, looking me dead in the eye. “We are entering a full non-prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice. We have agreed to pay a $12 million federal fine, restructure our entire sales executive board, and liquidate Victoria’s remaining stock options.”
He paused, taking an envelope from his jacket and placing it on the table in front of me.
“Furthermore, our risk management division recognizes that Victoria was an active accomplice in the physical assault and evidence suppression committed against you on Vanguard property,” Arthur said. “This is an unconditional, non-confidential civil settlement offer to resolve any potential personal injury or corporate negligence claims against Vance Medical Systems.”
Harrison opened the envelope, scanned the number printed on the settlement agreement, and let out a quiet, appreciative breath. He turned the paper toward me.
The amount was seven figures.
I looked at the check, then looked up at the man who had built the company Victoria had nearly destroyed.
“This money won't fix the scar on my cheek, Mr. Vance,” I said quietly. “Or the night your niece sat in my robe and laughed while my husband broke my hand.”
“No, it won't,” Arthur agreed without hesitation. “It is not meant to buy your forgiveness, Mrs. Mercer. It is meant to ensure that you never have to worry about financial security for the rest of your life.”
I looked at Harrison, who gave me a subtle, definitive nod.
May you like
I picked up the pen, signed the civil release, and slid the paper back across the mahogany table.
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