The moment the summonses were delivered, the atmosphere inside the company changed. For years, executives had viewed investigations as distant events; audits happened, regulators asked questions, and lawyers handled problems. The people sitting in the executive offices rarely felt personally threatened.
That illusion disappeared overnight.
Formal testimony meant names; formal testimony meant accountability; formal testimony meant that every statement could carry consequences.
Adrian stood beside the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office and watched rain slide down the glass; his phone had not stopped ringing since dawn. Adrian was receiving calls from law firms, board members, investors, and executives. Everyone wanted reassurance, but nobody could provide any.
Marcus entered without knocking.
Adrian did not turn around. "How many?"
Marcus understood the question immediately. "Nine executives received notices."
Adrian nodded slowly. "And?"
