Chapter 32

Chapter Thirty-Two

It had been a blur after Julian Carter was introduced to the scenes for Fiona and Rosa. His offer of help, together with the resources of Evelyn, fueled their hopes and impelled them into trying to stabilize their lives. Fiona was a bent on making use of those opportunities, although she had a handful because of the care of the triplets and with so many things put in her plate.

Midway in a crystal-clear day, Fiona has another peep of her planner. She has an appointment with Mr. Thomas Reid, one of the best-recommended financial consultants she has from friends. Rosa, who has been helping her handle some morning hodgepodge of the triplets, decides to drive her to the office that morning. The breeze is just freezing as it zooms by the busy streets of Celestial City.

As they drove, Rosa turned towards Fiona with a look that was both concerned and encouraging. "You ready for today's meeting?"

Fiona inhaled deeply, her mind racing with what the meeting could bring. "Nervous but optimistic. If Mr. Reid can only help us get a clear plan in place—could make all the difference for us."

Rosa smiled reassuringly. "You've been handling things really well, Fiona. This is just another leap towards getting it all back on track. We will figure this out together.

They pulled up to the new office building. Its modern glass face gleamed in the morning sunshine. Rosa helped Fiona from the car, releasing her with a brief hug and a handful of kind words of encouragement. The crowded lobby of the shining building was teeming as Fiona approached the reception desk.

There was a warm receptionist in the office, a classy lady with a dazzling smile, who pointed Fiona out to the conference room where Mr. Reid would wait. The room was elegant, well-furnished, with a big mahogany table and wall-to-wall windows giving a panoramic view of the city.

A moment later, there was Mr Thomas Reid pushing through the door. He was a distinguished man, in his early fifties, with a compact, neat grizzled beard, and an air of quiet self-assurance. He rose as Fiona rose, an offered hand when he reached her.

" Ms. Hardin, the pleasure is all mine," Mr Reid's voice was smooth and professional. "Please, be seated.

Fiona sat down, full of anticipation yet feeling a nervous certainty that this was the proper thing to do. Mr. Reid took several folders and a number of documents from his briefcase and sat in the chair.

"To begin with, I know you definitely want to bring clarity to your financial situation and to look at some various options for getting it together and under control," Mr. Reid started. "Why don't you give me an overview of where you are at now?"

Fiona took a deep breath and started her statement, outlining the difficulties she had gone through, with the tearing of her marriage, which clearly brought some financial constrains in regard to child support and the current provided information on her income, spending, and the support she got from Evelyn and Julian.

Mr. Reid listened without interruption while making a few notes now and then. When Fiona had finished, he nodded. "Thanks for that background. Now, let's get deeper into your current financial status."

He began to pour over the documents, financial statements and all the other papers she had prepared. As he went through the numbers and her financial situation from different angles, Fiona was experiencing an emerging cautious optimism. The tranquil, stepwise nature of Mr. Reid gave her a comfort that he was the man that could hopefully give them the guidance needed so desperately.

An hour later, Mr. Reid finally leaned back in his chair and looked thoughtfully at Fiona. "Based on what I have seen, there are some key areas we can focus on if we are to really improve your financial stability and plan for the future.

He outlined an elaborate strategy that covered budgeting hints, debt management plans, and chances for investments. They were further urged to seek potential sources of income to realize the most out of the resources that they currently had.

"One important aspect to do in a detailed budget is to align with your income and expenses," explained Mr. Reid. "This will help to give a much clearer picture of your financial health and opportunities where you can cut the cost or increase savings."

He also said, look into refinancing current loans to reduce interest and monthly payments even more. Finally, he suggested making sure there was an emergency reserve to be able to meet any unforeseen expenses.
Fiona listened ardently, noting all that Mr. Reid mentioned while speaking. The plan he was laying down appeared accurate and achievable, and it gave a further way for her family to be able to steady their buckling finances.

As the meeting started to conclude, Mr. Reid subtly changed his manner and leaned forward again with a serious look on his face. "There's something else I'd like to talk to you about, Ms. Hardin. It's not something I was expecting to find in the course of our review, but it seems relevant nonetheless."

Fiona's interest was piqued. "What would that be?

Mr. Reid hesitated for a moment before continuing. "As I was going through your financial records, I noticed some very strange transactions which don't really commensurate with the way and manner your other financial dealings were going. It would seem that there may be, in the least, some irregularities, at best, financial manipulation or an unauthorized breach."

Fiona's heart skipped a beat. "Are you saying that someone may have tampered with my financial record?

Mr. Reid nodded seriously. "That's one possibility. I recommend you undertake a complete forensic audit if you really want to get to the bottom of what could be amiss here. This would help find out if there is any hanky-panky going on, and also arm you with more information in order to resolve apparent inconsistencies.

Fiona's mind raced trying to absorb the new revelation. The financial manipulation offered an additional causal layer to her situation, which was, quite frankly, making it very complicated, but she decided to put her foot firmly on the ground on this one.

"I'm very grateful for you for telling me," Fiona replied, unflinching immediately, though her voice betrayed concern. "I shall call for a forensic audit right away. Do you have anyone in mind to do this kind of investigation?"

Mr. Reid nodded and then gave Fiona the name and number of one of the most respected forensic accountants. "They'll help you through with their complete review, and in the end, you will be getting a report detailing any irregularities."

She thanked Mr. Reid for his help and left the office, feeling a mix of apprehension and determination. She knew clearly that she had to come to the bottom of this possible financial manipulation if she was going to be able to sort out her situation once and for all and secure her future.

Back at her apartment, she shared the news with Rosa. It had been such a long day, and the additional complication of financial manipulation weighed heavily on her.

Rosa listened with interest, her face full of empathy and support. "It seems now that Mr. Reid has given us some helpful direction. We should have to get on top of it and work with the forensic accountant to get to the bottom of it."

Fiona nodded. "Yes and I think that we should move on in the opportunities that have been opened for us through Evelyn and Julian. We should be very proactive and focused in each and every way.'

Rosa agreed. "We'll face this together, Fiona. Whatever happens, we'll get through it.

With encouragement from Rosa, and now with the new strategy at work, Fiona soared with a new sense of goals. The journey still remained hazy ahead, but she was now thoroughly in the mood of revolting against the adversities coming in her way and leading the way in deciding and making her own future.

Days mounted into weeks and Fiona and Rosa had their time filled to overflowing as they spent the days implementing the ways and means that Mr. Reid had suggested regarding the account, but even as they worked in tandem with the forensic accountant, investigating the fs the irreg6ehavioust the could only hope that with grit and determination the two could manage to find the truth and secure a different, secure future for themselves, and the triplets, beloved.

With every step, Fiona felt the empowering sensation growing. It was a long way ahead, but she was ready to go through with anything that would come, being brave and strong.