Rachel moved to the company's statements. The first draft appeared on the screen, followed by the published version and subsequent clarification. The dates and times were displayed beside each.
"The original release characterized the matter as a brief disturbance involving an unidentified individual and claimed it was resolved without incident," Rachel said. "We now know that the individual was identified at reception and that he was restrained without an adequate basis."
She turned toward Diane.
"Ms. Kesler, can you explain how that wording was chosen?"
Diane looked at Preston once. He stared forward without acknowledging her.
She drew a slow breath.
"I wrote the draft. Mr. Yarrow directed me to describe the visitor as unidentified and the event as a routine security matter. I knew it omitted material facts. I objected to some of the wording but ultimately sent it. That was wrong."
Preston turned sharply. "You approved it as communications director."
"I did," Diane said. "I'm taking responsibility for that. But you gave the instruction."
"She's protecting herself," Preston said.
Jonathan Pierce spoke. "Mr. Yarrow, you'll have an opportunity to respond after the witness completes her account."
Diane continued. She described Preston's later request that she circulate unsupported suspicions about the fund. She stated that she had not personally submitted such allegations. Her notes and the independent interview records corroborated the instructions she'd received.
Rachel turned to the transaction documents.
The board saw the original negotiated terms, then the revised proposal Preston had directed Rachel to deliver after the arrest. The comparison made the changes unmistakable: less equity for the same capital, weaker board representation, and more discretion for existing management.
"The revised terms were never approved through the investment committee process," Susan explained. "They were presented after the lobby incident and were justified by the controversy created by the company's own conduct."
Preston objected. "Negotiating better terms for Yarrow Industries is my job."
Malik nodded once. "Of course it is. You can negotiate honestly. You can say you want different economics because a company's value changed. What you can't do is claim the harm you caused is a reason I should surrender protections that were already agreed in principle."
Rachel moved to the bank records.
The verified bank letter appeared on the display. It confirmed completion of the enhanced due diligence review and removal of the temporary hold. It did not support Preston's claim of a formal fraud investigation. Jonathan summarized the evidence from the independent investigation concerning the external allegation, Charles Morrow's role, and Preston's contact with him.
Preston shifted forward. "This is a distortion. I had every right to ask whether the incoming capital was safe."
"You had every right to raise a genuine concern," Jonathan replied. "The evidence under review concerns whether you arranged an unsupported allegation to trigger a delay and then materially misrepresented the resulting hold to this board."
"I didn't control the bank."
"No," Jonathan said. "The bank made its own decision to review the report. But the evidence connects you to the unfounded report and shows that you later characterized the review as something more serious than the bank itself had stated."