Chapter 86

Dante's POV
I tried to make sure that all relevant information was clearly disclosed, because I believed that honesty was key in this process. We went through report after report, looking at the numbers that influenced every decision made over the years. In these moments, I felt it was important to create an open atmosphere where every team member felt comfortable speaking up and sharing their opinions.
“If we can be transparent about this situation, we can find a better solution,” I said as I explained some of the transaction patterns. “I want everyone here to feel free to share their thoughts or any other information we may have missed.”
Each question from the audit team gave us space to reflect and look at each other more closely. During the discussion, their involvement also helped us trace the trail we might have missed, to find out how this could have gone undetected for so long.
“This may seem complicated, but if we can break this information down into smaller pieces, it will be easier to understand,” one of the audit team members said, and I felt it was important to support that approach.
After the final audit session, the audit team compiled the findings and made some initial recommendations. While the situation was still very competitive and complicated, the new insights gave us hope that we could save the company and regain trust from all parties.
“I believe we can find a way out,” I told the team, with renewed vigor. “With decisive action and bold decisions, we will rebuild the reputation of this company and face it with integrity.”
When the meeting ended, I felt exhausted but satisfied. We had come a long way, and now we held valuable information that could help us face the challenges ahead. I knew that we were on the right track, and with hard work, support, and honesty, we would overcome these challenges.
As I walked out of the conference room, I thought of Aurora and the children at home. I was so grateful for their support throughout all of this. Thinking about them gave me the strength to keep going even though it was hard. We would get through this together, and I was committed to rebuilding what had been lost for a better future for the company and my family.
After a few hours, the audit team began to find patterns in the data. They found transactions that looked suspicious and involved unexplained cash flows. Thanks to the attention and hard work of the entire team, we began to gain a better understanding of what was happening.
“I think we’ll find the root of this problem sooner than we thought,” the audit team leader said again. “But we need to follow up and make sure all transactions are accounted for.”
This initial success gave me new hope, and at that moment, I felt incredibly grateful to my secretary and the audit team for their commitment to help me with this process. Soon, we were all back at our desks, ready to dig deeper.
“We can do this,” I told my team with conviction. “Every step we take will help turn this company around.”
With my enthusiasm growing, I continued to work with my team and assure them that no matter what, we would find the best solution. I was committed to not only solving this problem, but also to regaining the trust that had been lost. In every precious second, I felt the power of mutual support, and together, we would face this challenge.
After a long session with the audit team, I felt the need to invite all the team members to eat together. Even though the audit results were not yet out, we all needed some time to rest and recharge. “Let’s have lunch together, I want us all to enjoy this time and de-stress a bit,” I said, trying to lift the team’s spirits.
As we sat down at the dining table, the atmosphere was more relaxed. The delicious food and light laughter helped us forget about the pressures of work for a moment. However, as we enjoyed our meals, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of worry coming from my secretary.
“Mr. Dante, I think you should take a break,” she said, looking at me sincerely. “You’ve been working hard and you look exhausted.”
I smiled, but it didn’t feel like the burden was going to disappear right away. “Don’t worry. I’m not sleepy yet. My focus right now is on this job, and I want to make sure we do our best,” I replied, trying to reassure her.
Even though I hadn’t slept all night, the deep sense of focus and responsibility kept me from feeling tired. However, I realized that my secretary’s concern showed how much she cared about me and the burden I was facing.
“I think you should take a break, sir. I’m just worried.” Her tone was still full of concern, and her earlier laugh seemed to have disappeared, replaced by worry.
I listened to her words. Although I was determined to solve this problem, I also knew that rest was an important part of maintaining productivity. “Maybe you’re right. I’ll take a few minutes to clear my head,” I finally said, feeling that giving myself a little time to relax wouldn’t hurt.
After dinner, I decided to go outside for a while, breathing in the fresh air. The serenity of the outdoors helped re-energize me. As I kept watch over myself, I reflected on everything that had happened and felt grateful for my strong and supportive team.
When I returned, I felt refreshed and determined to face the challenges ahead with a clear mind. With this new energy, I sat down with the audit team again, ready to discuss the next steps in solving the problem at hand. I knew this was a long journey, but with a solid team and the support of those closest to me, I was confident that we would overcome all the obstacles that lay ahead.