Chapter 10: The Audit
The independent audit of Rourke Regional Mobility began the following Monday.
I sat in the conference room at my attorney’s office while the auditors reviewed thirteen years of records. Gavin’s team had requested a delay. The judge denied it. The evidence was too compelling, and the boys’ custody and financial stability were at stake.
Gavin arrived with two of his remaining attorneys. He looked exhausted, the polished CEO image cracking at the edges. Sloane was not with him. She had apparently distanced herself the moment the board meeting became public.
The lead auditor, a quiet woman named Margaret Kline, spoke without emotion.
“The original incorporation lists Cassandra Devereux as founder and majority owner. Subsequent equity distributions show Mr. Rourke received operational shares over time, but controlling interest remained with Mrs. Rourke. Many of the major contracts and early funding rounds were secured through her network and personal guarantees.”
Gavin’s attorney tried to argue that operational control and growth should be considered. Margaret simply slid another document across the table.
“The prenuptial agreement your client drafted never transferred the founding shares. It addressed personal property and future earnings, but the company equity structure was never amended. Mrs. Rourke retained majority ownership throughout the marriage.”
Gavin stared at the papers as if they had personally betrayed him.
“You never told me,” he said, voice low.
I looked at him across the table.
“You never asked. You assumed the company was yours because I let you be the public face of it. I was raising our sons. I trusted you. That was my mistake.”
The audit continued for three more hours. By the end, the numbers were undeniable. The company’s success had been built on my initial capital, my early contracts, and my decision to step back. Gavin had managed operations, but the foundation had always been mine.
When the meeting ended, Gavin tried to speak to me in the hallway.
“Cassandra, we can still co-parent. For the boys.”
I stopped and looked at him.
May you like
“You brought your mistress to our divorce hearing. You tried to take my children and my company. There is nothing left to co-parent until you prove you can be the father they deserve.”
I walked away without waiting for his response.
