Chapter 11 - Vivienne’s Motive Was More Ordinary Than Greed
The financial review eventually determined that Northbridge had overbilled the foundation.
But not by the entire $184,000.
Some services were legitimate.
After reviewing market rates, deliverables, and related-party disclosures, auditors estimated roughly $63,000 in fees were unsupported or excessive.
Still serious.
But not a giant stolen fortune.
So why risk everything?
Vivienne eventually admitted part of the motive in mediation.
Her son’s business had been failing.
Northbridge needed contracts.
She believed giving him foundation work would stabilize it.
She convinced herself he deserved the opportunity.
Then when performance fell short, she approved invoices anyway.
When Walter started asking questions, she panicked.
She did not see herself as a thief.
She saw herself as a mother protecting her adult child.
That belief allowed each next compromise.
Hide the relationship.
Approve one inflated invoice.
Then another.
Remove papers.
Pressure Lila.
Write letters.
Humiliate her.
Moral collapse is often boring in the beginning.
May you like
One small justification at a time.
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