Chapter 19 - Mike’s business
Mike worked as regional operations director for a commercial property company.
He did not own an empire.
He earned about $240,000 including bonus.
His employer learned about his family situation because the divorce-related discovery exposed expense reimbursements?
No.
I was careful.
His private affairs were not their business.
One issue crossed into work.
Two of the hotel weekends with Rebecca had been submitted as business travel.
Approximately $6,700 in questionable reimbursements.
The company conducted a review after its internal auditor noticed overlap once records were requested in litigation.
Some expenses were legitimate.
Some not.
Mike repaid $4,380.
Received a formal written warning.
Lost that year’s discretionary bonus.
He was not fired.
People online would have wanted dramatic ruin.
There was no public story.
No viral scandal beyond the baby-shower gossip.
Specific misconduct.
Specific employment consequence.
He kept working.
Paid support for two biological children.
Paid the revised divorce settlement.
His lifestyle shrank.
Luxury apartment became ordinary townhouse.
BMW lease ended.
Toyota.
No tragedy.
May you like
Budget.
For a man who had spent years maintaining parallel lives, one honest life was cheaper.
