19- Vadema Inc. Corporations

I arrived home, and Dante looked exhausted, lying on the sofa, fast asleep. I took out all the medications from the bag, prepared something to eat, and then went to wake him up to eat and take the medications.

— Hello, Kyra. How was your morning?

— It was good. I think I did well on today's exam," I said, smiling.

— I knew it... Congratulations! How much longer do your exams last?

— This week, it's until tomorrow. Next week, there's another complicated one, but after that, it's all work.

— Do you have any plans for the weekend?

— I did, but I don't think she'd mind studying here.

— Don't sacrifice yourself for me. As soon as I feel better, I'll leave so I won't bother you...

— Shut up, Dante! Your health comes first, and I won't let you go until you're better! Who will take care of you there?" I interrupted him, getting angry.

— Okay, Kyra, you win! But know that you're doing well because of my influence... Today, I see you more cheerful, not to brag," I said, raising an eyebrow and having a slight smile on the left corner of my mouth.

— You're so full of yourself, aren't you? I'm reconsidering making you sleep in your apartment under the supervision of Doctor Nick. What do you think?" I smiled mischievously.

— Ouch, you're so mean! After that, I'll go take a shower," he said.

— I'll get you a clean towel and clothes.

— Good thing you like loose-fitting men's clothes. Can you imagine if they were tight and pink?" Dante made a face.

— I would laugh so hard at your face," I said without mercy.

— That mental image gave me shivers.

— Go take a shower!" I said, laughing.

Dante headed towards the bathroom, still looking quite worn out, but now with the medications, he only needed to rest.

While he showered, I set the table for us to eat the soup I made before waking him up. Since Dante hadn't finished his shower yet, I prepared my outfit and took a quick shower. When I came out of the shower, Dante was already sitting on the sofa, scrolling through his phone.

— Is everything okay?" I asked, heading towards the living room.

— Some problems arose between yesterday and today.

— Are they serious?

— Let's just say that if I were there, they would be resolved quickly.

— Can someone you trust take care of things while you're sick?

— Yes, I've already asked my right-hand man to check the situation and send me a report by noon tomorrow.

— If you want, you can use my laptop.

— No, I know you have an exam. It's fine.

— Dante, I've already studied for tomorrow's exam. You can use it, and if you need my help, just ask.

I went to the bedroom to get my laptop, not giving him a chance to argue.

— I just received the report. I discovered embezzlement in the company's funds, in the names of some individuals who are still on our payroll and who came from the newly acquired company.

— I see. Here you go," I said, handing him the laptop.

— Thank you.

— How many companies do you manage?" I asked curiously.

— Around three groups in the same industry and a new one that I acquired for publishing my books.

— So, a publishing house?

— Yes, Vadema Inc. Corporations. I asked Charles to investigate while I was sick. Since it's an established publishing house with a name and prestige in the market, it's easier for something to be amiss because not all employees are known.

— When you say "something amiss," for what reason? What made you suspect something?

— Actually, the company's stocks have plummeted in the past year. The previous owners wanted to declare bankruptcy, claiming they weren't making a profit. That's when I checked the books, the system, the sales numbers, and the monthly and annual expenses.

— That makes a lot of sense, considering it's a recent acquisition.

— Yes, that's when we discovered the embezzlement from the company's account to the managers' accounts, both in Finance and the General Director. So, with this data here," he said, pointing at the computer and showing me, "I will confront them directly to find out what they did with the funds and when they will return them.

— How did this go unnoticed?" I asked, incredulous.

— Let's say they were trusted individuals of the former owners, and they didn't even notice or pay attention to small withdrawals. But under my watchful eye, those things don't go unnoticed.

— And they shouldn't, they are "symbolic" amounts that have a long-term impact.

— Yes, see here on the graph? So it appears they have been doing this for four years.

— During this period, did they acquire properties, go on trips, or purchase any assets?

— Yes, to worsen their situations. In my view, they didn't expect the company to be sold but rather declared bankrupt. It was more advantageous and risk-free.

— How did you convince the former owners to sell the company?

— I have my charm. It would be profitable for me and them. I made an offer they couldn't refuse. That caught the people behind all this off guard because they were not informed about the merger. They will only be notified next Monday or Tuesday, that is, as soon as I recover.

— How did you find out that the owners were considering bankruptcy?

— They told me during a meeting that their finance and commercial directors were not in favor of the sale. They claimed it would be worse for the company and that if they chose that path, it would "tarnish" the owners' reputation in the world of "Publishing."

— Did they fall for that?

— For a while, but then I got inside their heads and convinced them that it was better for them to sell because I would bring the company back up.

— Did they believe you?

— Not completely, but they decided to give me a chance because of my reputation and experience.

— You truly fascinate me when you talk about management, the corporate world, and even personnel management.

— I have a few years of experience under my belt, but soon it will be your turn. Just have faith in yourself.

— Thank you...," I said, smiling. "Shall we eat? The soup must have cooled down by now.

— I'm sorry, I didn't even notice the time passing. I just realized I'm hungry.

We went to the table, I asked him to sit down, and I reheated the soup. When the soup was ready, I placed the pot on the table and served it in bowls. I did the same for myself and sat down to eat.

— Do you want some cheese?" I asked.

— Do you usually eat cheese with soup?

— Yes, have you tried it?" I wanted to know.

— Not yet.

— Alright, here's what you do: cut the cheese slices into the soup, stir it a bit, and it'll be ready to eat.

— That easy, huh?

— Yes," I smiled.

We ate in silence until Dante's phone rang.