Can we trace who did it? I asked. Not yet, Nadia said. But we know someone did. Ronin countered within a day.
His attorneys called the metadata routine document handling and pointed out that multiple finance employees had access to the files. Then he announced internally that Aelis would begin evaluating strategic alternatives during my suspension. The phrase sounded harmless. What it meant was that Helixor was getting closer. At dinner, I told Malachi I was considering approaching a group of long-term shareholders before Ronin could lock them into support agreements.
I gave him three names. His expression changed almost imperceptibly. What I asked, one of those funds has co-invested with Helixor before. How do you know that it is public if you know where to look? You knew immediately.
I have a good memory. So do I. I also know what specialized pattern recognition looks like. Immani looked between us and quietly picked up her glass. Malachi said, "Jenevieve, I am not trying to mislead you.
The sentence bothered me because it was not the same as saying he had told me everything. I did not push further. Part of me already suspected there was more to him. Another part did not want confirmation. In his house.
I was not a billionaire chief executive under investigation. I was Genevieve, the woman who burned eggs, argued about robot sensors, and sometimes fell asleep on the couch with legal papers in her lap. Looking too closely at him risked changing that. Ronin escalated again. A board member who had once supported me privately informed Nadia that he was reconsidering.
He believed Ronan's conduct should be investigated, but he was no longer certain. I should automatically return as chief executive, even if the report proved manipulated. That distinction hit hard. Proving I had been wronged and proving I should lead again two separate battles. That night, I told Malachi I might actually lose.
I know, he said. I almost resented him for not offering empty reassurance. What would you do? He thought for a moment. Separate the things you can prove from the things you want people to believe.
Prove the first, earn the second. I looked at him. You really are terrible at pretending to be ordinary. The corner of his mouth moved. Ordinary people can have useful opinions.
A few days later, an independent financial research service published a detailed report on Helixor's acquisition history. It examined eight previous deals and found that six had resulted in major workforce reductions and significant cuts to research spending within 30 months. Two undecided board members requested more information from Helixor. The timing was extraordinary. Lucky Malachi said when I told him, "Very," I answered.