Friday arrived with a palpable tension. The office was unusually quiet, as if everyone sensed the significance of what was to come. I spent the morning reviewing our findings, rehearsing in my mind how I would present the evidence. Sarah was a constant presence, offering support and the occasional cup of calming tea.
At 2:50 PM, I made my way to the conference room, my heart pounding with each step. The room was already occupied by Mr. Larkin, two auditors, and a legal advisor—a veritable lineup of authority. They exchanged polite greetings, but the atmosphere was charged with anticipation.
« Thank you all for coming, » Mr. Larkin began, his tone formal. « We’re here to discuss the discrepancies in the financial records as discovered by our team. » He gestured for me to begin.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. « Our review of Project Delta has uncovered a series of duplicate entries and fabricated services, » I started, distributing copies of our findings. « We believe these irregularities were intentional, designed to divert funds through false billing. »
The room was silent as they examined the documents, the gravity of the situation sinking in. The lead auditor, a composed woman in her 40s, looked up. « These are serious allegations, » she said, her voice measured. « Have you identified who is responsible? »
« Not yet, » I admitted, « but the evidence suggests internal collusion. » I could sense the shift in the room’s dynamic—a collective understanding that this was more than a simple oversight.
Mr. Larkin’s expression was inscrutable, but I could see a flicker of something—perhaps surprise, or maybe respect. « We’ll need to conduct a full investigation, » he said, his gaze meeting mine. « But thank you for bringing this to light. »
The meeting concluded with a plan to delve deeper, to unearth the full extent of the deception. As I left the room, I felt a mix of relief and apprehension. The truth was now out in the open, but the path ahead was uncertain.
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