Chapter 76 - The File Marked Personal
Naomi uncovered a folder on a lawfully obtained company backup that had been labeled PERSONAL. Its contents were not distributed to the board as ordinary company records. Outside counsel reviewed them under a process designed to protect irrelevant private information.
The investigators found meeting notes suggesting Alden's office had discussed the impact of a lower TriBeCa valuation on a proposed minority financing arrangement. The date was weeks before the public leak.
That was important, but not proof that he had authorized the leak. Miriam warned me against building a complete story from a fragment.
Sarah, who'd seen too many valuation spreadsheets, offered a simpler observation: “Someone had a reason to know what a lower number would do.”
“Having a reason isn't the same as acting on it,” I replied.
She raised her paper coffee cup. “You've become impossible.”
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“I'm learning from professionals.”
We laughed, though the relief was brief. The larger investigation had finally found a direction that didn't begin and end with Vanessa's name.
