Chapter 2 - The Audit and the Fall
Brenda swallowed hard, stepping closer to Gavin’s side. "Daniel... we didn't mean to intrude. We were just saying hello to Nora—"
"I heard what you were saying, Brenda," Daniel said smoothly, taking a quiet step forward. "Gavin was just explaining how leaving Nora was the best decision he ever made."
Gavin’s face flushed a deep, embarrassed crimson. He cleared his throat, trying to offer a tight, professional smile. "It was just a lighthearted joke, Daniel. Old history between exes. You know how it is."
"I don't, actually," Daniel replied, looking Gavin straight in the eye. "Because when I look at Nora, I see the most brilliant and selfless woman I’ve ever met. The fact that you couldn't see that five years ago just proves how blind you’ve always been."
Several wedding guests nearby overheard the exchange, whispering behind their champagne glasses and casting amused glances in Gavin’s direction.
Gavin’s jaw clenched. "Look, Daniel, I respect you. I always have. But my personal life has nothing to do with business. In fact, I’ve been trying to reach your secretary all week regarding the buyout proposal for Albright Logistics."
I glanced at Daniel. Albright Logistics was Gavin’s new venture—a mid-sized transport firm he had launched three years ago using most of his savings and a heavy line of credit.
Daniel pulled a sleek smartphone from his jacket pocket, unlocking the screen without looking down. "Ah, yes. The Albright acquisition file. My investment committee reviewed your quarterly financial audits this morning, Gavin."
Gavin leaned in, desperate hope gleaming in his eyes. "And? We’re projected to grow thirty percent by Q4. It’s a prime asset for Mercer Global."
Daniel locked his phone and slid it back into his pocket. "We denied the funding."
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Gavin froze. "What? Why?"
"Because your debt-to-equity ratio is compromised, your chief financial officer resigned two weeks ago, and frankly..." Daniel paused, looking at me with warm affection before returning his gaze to Gavin. "...I don't invest in men who lack integrity. In business, or in life."
