“The Department of Justice is issuing a formal statement clearing your professional name, Ms. Holloway,” Agent Vance said.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

The word felt small in the vast, expensive room.

My career had been ruined in a single afternoon, and now, it was returned to me in a folder.

“The board will cooperate fully with your investigation, Agent Vance,” Evelyn said, her voice businesslike.

“We expect nothing less,” the agent said, nodding before she walked out of the room.

The board members began talking in quiet, urgent tones, gathering their papers.

They walked past me without looking at me, eager to escape the room.

Soon, only Ethan, Evelyn, and I remained.

Ethan sat back in his leather chair, looking exhausted.

The dark circles under his eyes seemed deeper than they had this morning.

“What is your next move, Ethan?” Evelyn asked, leaning over the table.

“I’m stepping down,” Ethan said.

Evelyn did not look surprised.

“The board will want a transition plan,” she said.

“You can run the company, Evelyn,” Ethan said. “You’ve been doing most of it anyway.”