I have reviewed Michael's business proposal again. His vision is extraordinary, but his greatest strength is not his understanding of the market. It is his character.
I have watched him treat people with respect even when he had nothing to gain. I believe he will build a company that does more than generate profits.
I hope we can protect that quality in him as he becomes successful.
Your friend,
Richard.
Michael read the letter twice.
"Why didn't Richard tell me about your involvement?"
Thomas smiled faintly.
"Because we agreed that you deserved to know your success was earned, not inherited."
Michael placed the letter on the desk.
"Was there something else between you and Richard?"
Thomas nodded.
"Richard was struggling with a serious illness when your company was beginning to grow. He had no children, and he was worried about what would happen to the people who depended on him."
Michael listened carefully.
"He asked me to promise that if anything happened to him, I would help protect the company from people who cared only about power."
Michael frowned.
"Was he talking about Victoria?"
Thomas looked at him.
"I don't know. But Richard was concerned about someone inside the organization."
Michael stood and walked toward the window.
"Victoria has been with this company for five years. She helped expand our operations. I trusted her with everything."
"Trust is important, son. But trust doesn't mean closing your eyes."
Michael turned.
"Do you think she's stealing from the company?"
Thomas shook his head.
"I don't know what she's doing. I only know that Richard wanted you to be careful."
Michael looked down at the original agreement.
"I need to investigate."
Thomas nodded.
"But don't let anger make your decisions."
Michael smiled sadly.
"You were humiliated in front of everyone, and you're still worried about my judgment."
Thomas gently replied:
"Because I am your father. My job doesn't end just because you become successful."
Michael sat beside him.
For several seconds, neither man spoke.
Then Michael asked something he had wanted to ask for years.
"Dad, were you ever disappointed in me?"
Thomas looked surprised.
"Why would you ask that?"
"Because I became so busy building this company that I barely visited you. I missed birthdays. I missed holidays. Sometimes I went months without calling."
Thomas smiled.
"You think I don't understand?"
"I should have done better."
Thomas reached across the desk and took his son's hand.
"Michael, listen to me. I never raised you so you could spend the rest of your life sitting beside me. I raised you so you could go out into the world and become someone who makes a difference."
Michael's eyes became wet.
"But I should have remembered you more often."
Thomas squeezed his hand.
"Then remember me now. That's enough."
Michael leaned forward and embraced him.
For a moment, the CEO disappeared.
There was only a son holding his father.
But their emotional moment was interrupted by a knock at the door.
Emily Carter, Michael's executive assistant, entered with a tablet.
"Mr. Bennett, I'm sorry to interrupt."
Michael released his father.
"What happened?"
Emily looked nervous.
"The legal department has received an anonymous complaint concerning your father."
Michael frowned.
"What complaint?"
Emily swallowed.
"It claims that Mr. Thomas Bennett has been threatening the company and attempting to demand money in exchange for keeping quiet about the original investment agreement."
Michael's expression hardened.
"Who submitted it?"
"It's anonymous."
Thomas quietly stood.
"Perhaps I should leave."
Michael immediately turned toward him.
"No, Dad. You are not going anywhere."
He looked at Emily.
"Send the complaint to my office. And arrange an emergency meeting with the legal department."
"Yes, sir."
When Emily left, Michael looked at his father.
"Someone is trying to destroy your reputation."
Thomas gave a sad smile.
"Then perhaps we should find out why."
At two o'clock that afternoon, Michael entered the main conference room.
Twelve senior executives were already seated around the long table.
Victoria sat near the center.
She looked calm, although her fingers were tightly wrapped around a pen.
Michael placed a folder on the table.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice."
Victoria spoke first.
"Michael, I assume this concerns the situation involving your father?"
"It does."
She nodded sympathetically.
"I understand this is personal, but we need to protect the company."
Michael looked at her.
"Agreed."
He turned toward the legal director, James Whitmore.
"Please explain the complaint."
James opened his laptop.
"An anonymous submission claims that Mr. Thomas Bennett has been attempting to extort the company by threatening to reveal confidential financial information."
Victoria leaned forward.
"Which is extremely concerning."
Michael did not respond.
James continued.
"However, we have not found any evidence supporting the accusation."