Chapter 257 Dinner Invitation
Lady Flourish POV
22
Finished
The visitor’s words stayed with me as Rhys took his phone and passed it to one of the guards.
We moved him to a secure location before anyone could call again. He was frightened and kept asking whether the people after him knew where we were taking him.
Rhys assured him that our security team would handle it. The legal team arrived shortly after and began preserving his statement, including the document he had brought and the details of the encrypted account.
I watched them work until Eugene told me he would contact me if they needed anything else.
Harold had already left for Stonehedge to brief Magnus. Before leaving, he asked me to come with him.
“I need to review these records and speak to Cheryl,” I told him. “F-Tech’s audit is still ongoing.”
“Then do it from Stonehedge.”
“I’ll return after I finish.”
He didn’t argue further, but his expression made it clear he wasn’t pleased.
Once the visitor was secured, I sat with Eugene to review the documents. The payment records showed transfers to accounts linked to restricted territory, but there were gaps in the trail.
We needed more information before drawing conclusions about who had authorized the payments and what the money had been used for.
Eugene closed the folder. “We should bring a few people together tonight. The legal team, and some business contacts who understand these kinds of transactions.”
“Where?”
“Somewhere private. Not here.”
I agreed with that. The office network had already been compromised, and I didn’t want sensitive discussions taking place in a building where we couldn’t be certain who had access to our systems.
“Keep the guest list small,” I said. “And confirm everyone’s identity before they arrive.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
1/4
12:35 Thu, Oct 1
Chapter 257 Dinner Invitation
M’
22
Finished
I called Cheryl as soon as I had the meeting details. She was still at F-Tech, working with the audit team to trace the suspicious messages sent to employees.
“Have you found anything new?” I asked.
“We’ve isolated the affected accounts,” she said. “The team is checking whether anyone opened the attachments or entered their login details. So far, we haven’t confirmed another unauthorized transfer.”
“Keep the audit moving, but don’t send me anything sensitive through the usual channels. I’ll review it in person when I get back.”
“Understood. Are you coming back tonight?”
“Yes. I have a dinner meeting first.”
Cheryl paused. “Is this about the shell company?”
“It’s related. I’ll explain when I see you.”
After we ended the call, I gathered the documents I needed and prepared to leave. My phone rang before I reached the door. Harold’s name appeared on the screen.
“The council wants you back at Stonehedge,” he said.
“Tonight?”
“They want you there as soon as possible.”
“I’m attending a meeting with Eugene and the legal team. I’ll return afterward.”
“Flourish, this isn’t a good time to be away.”
“I know. That’s why I’m making sure the meeting is secure.”
He exhaled sharply. “You’re still going?”
“Yes. I’ll return as soon as it’s finished, provided Rhys approves the venue and security arrangements.”
There was a brief silence.
“I don’t like it,” he said.
“I gathered that.”
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12:35 Thu, Oct 1
Chapter 257 Dinner Invitation
“I’ll send an escort.”
“A small one. I don’t want to draw attention.”
“I’ll arrange it.”
M
e
22
Finished
The call ended without either of us changing the other’s mind. I informed Rhys of the plan, and he checked the restaurant Eugene had selected.
He reviewed the entrance, the private dining area, and the security arrangements before approving it.
Two guards would accompany me, with another team nearby.
By the time I arrived, Eugene was waiting near the entrance.
He greeted me and led me to the private dining room, where several guests had already gathered.
I recognized two of them from previous business meetings. The others introduced themselves as legal and financial advisers who had worked with Eugene.
We exchanged greetings and took our seats. I noticed one of the guests glance at the guards outside the room.
“Are we expecting trouble?” he asked.
“We’re taking precautions,” Eugene replied. “The matter we’re discussing involves sensitive records, and we want to keep the conversation private.”
He waited until everyone had settled before explaining why he had arranged the dinner.
“We’re trying to clarify the legal and financial links between several shell companies and the tunnel network beneath Stonehedge. We have payment records and some information from a witness, but there are still gaps that need to be checked.”
One of the advisers leaned back in his chair. “Does F-Tech have any connection to those companies?”
“Not that we’ve confirmed,” I said. “We’re conducting an internal audit to establish whether our systems or contracts were used without authorization.”
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