Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

389 The Shut Down (Jayden)

The room is quiet as the last few of the management line employees file in, their faces a mix of confusion and concern. Before them, the formal investigation team entered.

I need to make sure everyone's legal rights are preserved as I make the announcement.

This isn't a meeting for laying blame. Today is about cutting ties, securing what remains of Nexus Global's integrity, and showing everyone that embezzlement won't go unanswered.

However, I know not everyone here is to blame and I need to handle this carefully from a legal point of view and a personal one. I don't want to be the enemy unless it's clear they have been a part of knowing what's gone on. "Thank you all for being here," I start, keeping my tone flat but firm. "We're here to address the findings of the internal audit. Effective immediately, the Nexus Global London office is shut down permanently for a full investigation."

Eyes widen around the room, a couple of stifled gasps reach my ears. Viktor stands quietly by the door, hands behind his back, his usual stoic expression locked in place.

"I'll leave it up to each department head to filter the information back to the employees under you. I have hand outs for information to go out to these staff. Every person must get this information."

They all nod but still look like deer caught in the headlights. I sit down again.

The lead investigator, a woman in her fifties with a no-nonsense stare, steps forward to take over the formalities.

"This investigation will be thorough, impartial, and will extend to every department associated with this branch," she announces, her voice cool and professional.

She eyes each person as she speaks. "Any information pertinent to the case will be required from all of you. You may exercise your right to legal representation, and the company will work with you within those limits. However, honesty and cooperation will be factored into our decisions."

Her gaze sweeps across the room. "You will be contacted individually for questioning over the coming days. Any who are found complicit will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

I lean forward. "For those who have maintained integrity, once this is over, Nexus Global will ensure fair severance pay and reemployment opportunities. For those involved, I'll be frank: full cooperation is the only way you might mitigate the damage."

Murmurs spread across the room, but nobody dares to question or speak. The reality of the shutdown has hit, and it's clear they weren't expecting something so absolute. It's necessary, though, and it's the only way forward.

"Embezzlement has compromised the work we do here, and Nexus Global can't move forward with even the shadow of doubt. For the time being, each of you will be placed on paid leave until further notice. Those exonerated can expect substantial severance or rehiring options."

One of the department heads, Ms. Yates, looks visibly shaken. "Mr. Brennan, are you.. are you certain this

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is necessary? We've worked hard for the company. To shut down the entire office..."

I nod, my tone remaining firm. "This is what integrity demands, Ms. Yates. The team here represents Nexus Global, and as long as there's uncertainty, our reputation-and every one of our careers-remains at risk."

I glance at the investigation team leader, who gives a sharp nod, clearly approving of the message.

"Nexus London will never be back in the same capacity. Let's just make that perfectly clear. If this decision puts any of you in immediate danger financially, there are online avenues to reach out for assistance."

As the employees slowly file out, the investigation team follows them. Viktor approaches. He waits until the last person leaves before he speaks. "Direct, and to the point," he says, nodding. "They'll feel the impact of it, no question."

"It's what's needed. The London branch was already on shaky ground, and Grayson exploited that. This cleanup isn't negotiable." My voice is firmer than I intended, but I leave it at that.

Viktor's gaze doesn't waver. "It's a sound decision," he replies, his tone neutral. "Judy's jet has left the airport."

"Okay. Let's keep an eye on that and we won't be mentioning Judy to Winona."

"As you wish."

But I feel there's an undercurrent.

"Let's get one thing straight," I say curtly. "What I choose to tell Winona and when is my business." "Understood, Mr. Brennan," he replies smoothly, his tone professional.

I haven't told Winona about Judy's recent moves. Worrying her while I'm not there is not what she needs. I'd rather tell her face to face.

"Keep me posted on Judy's travels. If she even tries to approach my family, stop her any way necessary. I want to know immediately."

Viktor nods, his expression returning to its usual composed state. "Consider it handled."

The whole time, my mind cycles through every possible angle. Judy is getting closer, and this mess in London is delaying me. For all the strides I've taken to protect my family, I'm realizing just how easily one weak link can unravel everything. I've chosen silence over transparency. But that decision presses against the decision of no more lies we promised.

Tomorrow, I need to go back to Brussels, even if just for a quick trip.

Winona needs to know that Judy cannot be held by the no-contact order out of the USA.

I'm not letting my mother blindside me this time.

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