Chapter 35 Scent of Corruption
[Nyx]
“That’s it,” I muttered, my brow furrowing as I leaned closer to the screen. Over the past two years, nearly all of Eclipse’s raw materials, including ginkgo extract, came from NorthStar. Their prices? Consistently 15 to 20 percent above market average. Suspicion curled in my gut like a cold blade. NorthStar had only been incorporated three years ago—right after Raymond Hartwell took over as CFO. Digging deeper, I saw that Eclipse used to rely on a diverse network of suppliers. Under Raymond, though, everything had funneled to this single company.
“Why pay more for everything from one source?” I whispered to myself, the question hanging heavy in the air. The faint scent of my own tension—sharp, like crushed pine needles—filled the room. I needed answers, and I wasn’t going to wait. Raymond was about to get a call he wouldn’t forget.
---
By afternoon, I’d prepared myself for the confrontation. Sitting at the desk, I adjusted the laptop camera, smoothing my hair and straightening my posture to project the authority I’d once wielded as a potential Alpha heir. The tailored blazer I’d thrown on helped, its crisp lines a shield against the vulnerability I refused to show. When the video call connected to Eclipse headquarters, Raymond Hartwell’s face appeared on the screen, his polished smile faltering for a split second as he registered me. I could almost smell his unease, a stale undercurrent beneath his cologne, even through the digital divide.
“Miss Verdant, we appreciate your interest in the company,” he began, his tone smooth but laced with a faint condescension that set my teeth on edge. “Perhaps it would be best to wait until your confinement period is over before—”
“Hartwell,” I cut in, my voice cold and unyielding, slicing through his words like a claw through flesh. “I’ve noticed Eclipse sources nearly all its raw materials from NorthStar Supply. Their prices are 15 to 20 percent higher than the market average. Care to explain that decision?”
His expression flickered, a microsecond of panic before he masked it with a practiced calm. “NorthStar provides unparalleled quality in their botanicals, meeting our rigorous standards. In pharmaceuticals, quality trumps cost every time—a principle your mother held dear when she founded this company.”
The mention of Mother was a calculated jab, and it struck deep. My eyes flashed silver, a surge of rage heating my blood, but I kept my face a stone mask. “If that’s the case,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm inside, “I’d like to see the recent quality control reports. Let’s compare NorthStar’s materials against other suppliers.”
Raymond’s smile tightened, a crack in his facade. “Of course. I’ll have those prepared. It might take a few days to compile everything.”
The call ended, and I slammed the laptop shut, a low growl rumbling in my throat. “Damn it,” I hissed, the bitter taste of frustration coating my tongue. I’d tipped my hand. He was stalling, buying time to cover his tracks—maybe even destroy evidence. I couldn’t sit here, trapped in the west wing, waiting for him to bury the truth. Whatever NorthStar was, whatever Raymond was hiding, I was going to dig it out. Even if I had to break every rule to do it.
The phone's sudden vibration pulled me from the sea of financial reports I'd been drowning in for hours. Lysander's name lit up my screen, sending an unexpected flutter through my chest.
"Fancy some Thai food tonight?" His voice came through with an easy warmth. "I'm passing that new Thai Fusion place and thought I could bring some takeout home."
"Yes, yes, absolutely!" I replied with embarrassing enthusiasm before catching myself. "I mean, that sounds good. I could use something different."
His low chuckle traveled through the phone, and I hated how that simple sound accelerated my pulse.
After hanging up, I found Ariel in the kitchen preparing dinner ingredients. "No need for dinner tonight, Ariel. Lysander's bringing takeout," I said, then added, "He mentioned he's getting something for you too."
Ariel's knowing smile made me shift uncomfortably. "Well, well. With Lysander around, I might as well retire."
"He's just being considerate," I countered.
"He'd make an excellent father, don't you think?" she said casually, putting away vegetables.
"Ariel!" Heat rushed to my cheeks. "Why are you suddenly talking about babies? I'm only nineteen—motherhood isn't exactly on my agenda."
"When you're ready to admit what's happening between you two, I'll be here," she said, completely unfazed by my protest.
---
When Lysander arrived, the mouthwatering aroma of spices and coconut milk filled the west wing. We settled at the coffee table, containers spread between us. The casual domesticity of the scene wasn't lost on me, but I pushed the thought aside.
"I found something in Eclipse's financials today," I said, setting down my fork. "The company's been sourcing materials from a supplier called NorthStar at prices 15% above market value. The supplier appeared three years ago—right after our CFO Raymond took his position."
Lysander's expression turned serious as he studied the data on my tablet. "Someone's siphoning money," he concluded.
"Raymond claims their materials have 'superior quality,' but he got nervous when I asked for quality reports," I explained. "I need evidence before I confront him directly."
"What's your next move?" Lysander asked, his eyes reflecting steady support.
I took a deep breath. "I'm going to the company tonight. As the legal owner, I have access to everything—including the warehouse. I need to see these supposedly 'premium' materials for myself."
"Tonight?" His eyebrow arched.
"The sooner the better," I said firmly. "If my suspicions are right, money is disappearing daily."
Without hesitation, Lysander stood. "Then I'm coming with you."
The immediacy of his support warmed something in me I hadn't realized was cold.