He wasn’t calling to take my side.

He wanted to know whether business funds had been involved in a personal dispute.

Bennett would not discuss private details without permission.

After speaking with me, he told Thomas that any legitimate business concerns should be handled through independent accountants and the company’s own counsel.

No one promised that Derek would be removed, prosecuted, or financially ruined.

I was grateful for the restraint.

Hundreds of people depended on the company for their paychecks.