Chapter 5 - The Corporate Purge
The boardroom of Banco Nacional was packed with thirty senior executives, board members, and regional managers.
At the head of the long oak table, Valeria sat quietly, reviewing the quarterly earnings reports on her tablet.
Sitting at the far end of the table was Director Vargas—the man who had personally managed Mauricio’s accounts for three years, turning a blind eye to his minor accounting irregularities in exchange for private perks and dinner invitations.
Vargas was sweating profusely, dabbing his forehead with a handkerchief as Eduardo Silva presented a slide deck detailing twenty-four instances of unauthorized credit line extensions granted to Ortega & Sons Logistics.
“Director Vargas,” Valeria said softly, her voice cutting through the silent room like a razor. “You approved a two-million-peso overdraft facility for Mauricio Ortega three months ago without securing secondary board approval. Why?”
Vargas cleared his throat nervously, leaning toward his microphone. “Madam Chairwoman... Mr. Ortega’s firm had a long-standing relationship with the regional branch. We believed his expansion plan was viable—”
“You approved the overdraft because Mauricio promised you a two percent private kickback once his expansion loan was finalized,” Valeria interrupted flatly, sliding a printout of an encrypted bank transfer across the table.
The room erupted into shocked whispers.
Vargas’s face went completely gray. “That... that is an unfounded allegation!”
“It is a certified bank record from an offshore account in Panama,” Valeria replied calm, cold, and composed. “As of ten minutes ago, the board of directors has voted unanimously to terminate your employment with cause. You will be escorted from this building by security, and a formal criminal complaint for commercial bribery has been filed with the federal prosecutor.”
Vargas opened his mouth to protest, but two uniformed security officers immediately stepped up behind his chair, pulling him up by his arms and ushering him out of the boardroom.
Valeria folded her hands over the table, looking around at the remaining board members.
Every executive in the room sat upright, their expressions filled with deep respect and intense caution. They had known Valeria was a formidable chairwoman, but her ruthless efficiency over the past week had made it clear that no corruption, no incompetence, and no personal disrespect would ever be tolerated under her command.
“Let this be a reminder to everyone in this room,” Valeria said, her dark eyes scanning the executives. “Horizonte Capital was built on absolute integrity. If anyone in this institution believes they can use their position to protect friends, family, or corrupt associates, you will face the exact same consequences.”
“Understood, Madam Chairwoman,” the deputy CEO said quickly, bowing his head.
Valeria stood up, smoothing her suit jacket. “Adjourned.”
As she walked out of the boardroom toward her private elevator, Eduardo stepped beside her.
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“Mauricio’s father, Richard, has attempted to contact your office four times today,” Eduardo reported. “He is offering to sign a complete waiver of all marital property claims if you agree to drop the tax audit against his sons.”
Valeria didn't even slow her pace. “Tell him the law will take its course. I don't negotiate with criminals, especially those who raised a coward.”
