"Every account, every property, every transfer. I want the original records preserved."
"Understood."
"And I want an independent handwriting examination of every document bearing my signature."
Daniel immediately agreed.
"I can coordinate that with the legal team."
Victoria looked at Richard.
"If you have an explanation, you can provide it through the proper process."
Richard stared at her.
"You would really do this to your own brother?"
Victoria's expression remained steady.
"I didn't do this to you."
He looked away.
She turned toward Helen.
"And I won't sign anything to protect either of you from the truth."
Helen began sobbing.
"Victoria, please. I know I've made mistakes."
Victoria looked at her mother.
"Then start telling the truth."
For a long moment, Helen could not speak.
Finally, she whispered something that made Daniel immediately look up.
"There was another person."
Victoria frowned.
"What?"
Helen looked toward Richard.
"He wasn't the only one involved."
Richard turned sharply.
"Mom!"
Helen flinched.
But she continued.
"Someone else helped him."
Victoria felt a chill.
"Who?"
Helen wiped her cheeks.
"Your father's personal financial adviser."
Daniel's expression changed.
"Edward Miller?"
Helen nodded.
Victoria recognized the name.
Edward Miller had been her father's financial adviser for almost fifteen years.
He had attended family dinners.
He had helped organize the estate.
He had even been present at Victoria's graduation.
She had trusted him.
"How was he involved?" she asked.
Helen looked at the documents.
"He helped Richard arrange the accounts. He told us how to move the money without triggering the normal review process."
Daniel slowly closed his folder.
"That is a serious allegation."
Helen nodded.
"He knew everything."
Richard stepped forward.
"You're lying."
Helen looked at him.
"No."
"You're trying to save yourself."
"I can't keep doing this."
Richard's voice became louder.
"After everything I've done for you?"
Helen shook her head.
"I know what I signed."
Victoria looked at her mother.
"Did Edward know my signature was being used?"
Helen nodded.
"He prepared the documents."
Daniel immediately took out his phone.
"I need to contact the auditor and preserve all correspondence involving Mr. Miller."
Samuel agreed.
"His involvement must be included in the review."
Richard began pacing.
"This is turning into a circus."
Victoria looked at him.
"No. It's finally becoming an investigation."
He stopped.
For several seconds, he looked as if he wanted to say something.
Instead, he turned toward the lobby doors.
"I need to make a call."
Daniel spoke immediately.
"Please do not contact anyone connected to the accounts until we have preserved the relevant records."
Richard glared at him.
"I can call whoever I want."
Samuel remained composed.
"You should consult your attorney before taking any further action."
Richard walked away without responding.
Victoria watched him leave.
She felt no satisfaction.
There was no joy in discovering that her brother had betrayed her.
There was no victory in learning that her mother had helped conceal it.
The truth was necessary, but it was painful.
She had wanted a family that could be proud of one another.
Instead, she had spent years trying to earn love from people who seemed determined to make her feel undeserving of it.
Daniel approached her.
"Victoria, are you ready to go to the hospital?"
She looked at him.
"My face?"
"Yes. We should have the injuries documented."
Victoria nodded.
"All right."
Thomas offered to accompany her.
She accepted.
Before leaving, she turned toward Samuel.
"Mr. Whitmore, one more thing."
"Of course."
"If Dad left any additional letters, I want to know about them."
Samuel hesitated.
"There is one more."
Victoria looked at him.
"Where is it?"
"With the original trust records."
"Can I see it?"
Samuel nodded.
"Yes. But I believe it should be delivered to you after the initial documents have been authenticated."
Victoria looked at Daniel.
He seemed to understand.
"Your father may have left a final explanation."
Samuel nodded.
"That is my understanding."
Victoria took a slow breath.
"Then I want to read it."
***
The hospital examination was brief.
The doctor documented the swelling on Victoria's cheek, the small injury near her lip, and the tenderness around her jaw.
He recommended rest and a follow-up examination if the pain worsened.
Victoria thanked him.
Thomas waited outside the examination room.
When she emerged, he stood.
"How are you feeling, Admiral?"
Victoria gave a tired smile.
"I've had better evenings."
Thomas nodded.
"I imagine."
They walked toward the hospital entrance.
For several minutes, neither spoke.
Finally, Thomas broke the silence.
"May I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Why didn't you defend yourself when your brother struck you?"
Victoria looked at him.
"I didn't want to turn the situation into something worse."
Thomas nodded slowly.
"That's understandable."
He paused.
"But you should never feel obligated to accept violence just because the person hurting you is family."
Victoria looked down.
"I know."
Thomas continued.
"There's a difference between maintaining discipline and allowing someone to mistreat you."
Victoria was quiet.
She had spent years learning to control her emotions.