Chapter 539
“Please, have a seat,” one of the officers escorting Bret said, gesturing him inside.
The room was brightly lit. Two investigators were already waiting, along with a thick stack of files that appeared to detail every accusation against him.
Bret let out an irritated growl. The police had been rough with him from the start-especially when he stepped out of the car. What he hadn’t expected was the swarm of reporters crowding the SunCity Central Police headquarters, all fighting for an exclusive story about the man now suspected of being one of the key figures behind the massive losses suffered by Callister Group.
Not the CEO.
But a commissioner-someone who had held significant power behind the scenes.
“I just completed a long trip,” Bret said stiffly. “Can’t I rest first?”
The two officers exchanged faint smiles.
“We’d like to rest too, Mr. Bret,” one replied calmly. “But it seems the charges against you need to be addressed immediately.”
Bret snorted in annoyance. Still handcuffed, he stepped into the interrogation room and sat down reluctantly, eyeing the investigators with open disinterest.
The white light above him shone harshly, making his face look pale and exhausted. His expensive suit was now wrinkled, the top button of his shirt undone, and his hair-usually immaculate was slightly disheveled.
Across from him, the two investigators opened several thick folders filled with documents.
“Mr. Bret Frederick,” one of them began firmly, “we will review several points related to the alleged violations you committed.”
Bret leaned back in his chair and lifted his chin.
“I’ll only say this once,” he said coldly. “Listen carefully. Every decision I made was part of company operations.”
The investigator didn’t react. He pulled out a document and opened it.
“Manipulation of the financial report for the JiangShe project. A budget increase of thirty percent above the original value.”
“That was a cost adjustment,” Bret cut in quickly.
The second investigator slid a sheet of paper toward him.
“A cost adjustment that was never reported to the company’s owner?”
Bret fell silent.
The first investigator continued, “In addition, we have evidence that you negotiated contracts with several clients without the approval of Mr. Daven Callister.”
1/3
F25 Bonus
“That was within my authority as operations director,” Bret replied coolly.
The investigator met his gaze without expression.
“Then how do you explain this?”
A tablet was turned toward him. CCTV footage played on the screen. Bret could be seen meeting privately with a client representative at a restaurant, then handing over a thick envelope.
His expression tightened instantly.
“That wasn’t a bribe,” he said quickly. “It was a consulting f*e.”
“A consulting f*e paid in cash,” the investigator replied, “with no official report?”
The room fell silent.
The second investigator opened another folder.
“We also have communication records showing that you spread information claiming Callister Group refused to take responsibility for the JiangShe project.”
“That was a negotiation strategy,” Bret said, though his voice had begun to lose its firmness.
“A strategy that damaged the company’s rep?” the investigator asked.
This time, Bret didn’t answer right away.
The investigator closed the folder slowly, the soft sound echoing in the quiet room.
“Mr. Bret,” he said evenly, “we have transaction records, CCTV footage, witness testimony, and internal communications. Do you still intend to deny everything?”
Bret stared at the table for a few seconds. His jaw tightened.
“Whatever I did,” he said at last, his voice low, “it wasn’t my personal decision.”
The investigator leaned forward slightly. “So you’re admitting the actions took place?”
Bret lifted his head. His expression hardened.
“I won’t say anything further without my lawyer.”
The two investigators exchanged a glance. One of them exhaled quietly and nodded.
“Very well. That is your right.’
Bret leaned back again, his breathing heavier now. For the first time since he’d been brought in, the confidence he’d been holding onto began to crack.
A few minutes later, he was moved to a temporary waiting area so he could contact legal counsel.
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back)