Well, the investors funded Theranos likely have (collectively) at least an order of magnitude more wealth than Holmes, so if they decide it's time for the axe t

Well, the investors funded Theranos likely have (collectively) at least an order of magnitude more wealth than Holmes, so if they decide it's time for the axe to drop, I don't exactly see how she'll be able to 'buy her way out'. Which isn't to say it's likely she'll face criminal charges or anything like that, your cynicism is correct in that regard, but her reputation and finances are very much on the line and her billions (which aren't exactly liquid) won't be able to do much for her on that front.