He could protect himself without humiliating innocent people.
And he could reform Whitmore Communities without treating the company as a personal trophy.
That evening, after Denise left, Malik sat beside his father's toolbox for nearly an hour.
He opened it.
Picked up a worn wrench.
Then looked toward the Ferrari.
For a moment, he imagined Samuel standing beside him.
The old mechanic would have admired the car.
Then asked whether Malik had fixed what was actually wrong.
Malik smiled sadly.
"I'm working on it, Dad."
The corporate audit entered its most difficult phase the following month.
Outside counsel had identified several significant control failures.
A number of homeowner charges lacked adequate support.
Certain collection practices were inconsistent with documented authorizations.
And the review of Springline Property Partners raised concerns about conflicts of interest and potentially improper use of confidential homeowner information.
The company began preserving the relevant records and notifying the appropriate oversight bodies where required.
It also established a process for homeowners to request review of disputed charges without routing those requests through the managers whose decisions were under investigation.
Thomas Vale was placed on administrative leave while the board examined his role.
He objected.
He argued that the company was undermining its own collection operations and creating financial uncertainty.
But the evidence justified temporary restrictions.
The board had to ensure records were preserved and questionable transactions didn't continue while the investigation proceeded.
When Thomas received the notice, he immediately called Victoria.
She answered from her office.
"Thomas?"
His voice was sharp.
"They've suspended me."
Victoria closed her eyes.
"I know."
He sounded furious.
"After fourteen years? This is how they're treating me?"
She looked toward the audit report.
For a moment, she remembered how often he'd assured her that homeowner complaints were ordinary and unimportant.
Then she asked, "Did you benefit from Springline's referrals?"
Thomas hesitated.
"Victoria, you know how these arrangements work."
She took a breath.
"I'm asking whether you received money."
For several seconds, he didn't answer.
Then he said something that made her stomach tighten.
"Not personally. My consulting company received legitimate fees."
Victoria stared.
"Your consulting company?"
He sighed.
"It's a separate business."
She looked toward the report.
For years, Thomas had approved vendors, supervised collection activity, and provided financial summaries.
Now he was acknowledging that a company connected to him received fees from a business purchasing homes from people facing financial pressure.
Victoria felt a wave of anger.
But then another thought followed.
Had she ever asked enough questions?
Had she demanded the underlying contracts?