Six months later, Emma stood in another formal ballroom.
Same white uniform.
Same calm expression.
But this time, she was not there to expose a scandal.
She was there to receive a promotion.
The investigation had confirmed the forged approvals and illegal transfers.
Several contracts were canceled.
Much of the money was recovered.
Claire was permanently removed from every position connected to the naval foundation.
Admiral Hayes personally presented Emma with her new insignia.
Before the ceremony, he looked at her.
You could have walked away.
Emma answered.
Then the people who buried the report would have won.
Robert nodded.
Fair enough.
When Emma stepped forward, the room stood and applauded.
Months earlier, many of the same people had watched her confront the admiral and wondered whether she had gone too far.
Now they knew the truth.
She had not disrupted the gala.
She had protected the institution everyone else claimed to serve.
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