Edward noticed.
He tried to speak with her several times.
She always promised to improve.
Then, three years ago, Edward suffered a serious heart condition.
He required surgery and spent several months recovering.
During that period, Victoria assumed greater control over the company.
When Edward returned, he discovered that several long-standing employees had resigned.
Some had been dismissed.
Others had been pressured into signing agreements that prevented them from discussing internal company matters.
Edward asked questions.
Victoria told him that she was modernizing the organization.
He wanted to believe her.
He trusted her.
That trust would eventually become his greatest mistake.
CHAPTER 3: THE PRICE OF ARROGANCE
Back at the restaurant, Victoria pushed the envelope away.
"I don't understand why you're bringing these old documents to me."
Edward looked at her.
"Because they're important."
"To whom?"
"To everyone who invested in this company."
Victoria sighed.
"Listen, Edward. I appreciate everything you did years ago. But I think it's time you accepted that your role is finished."
Edward did not respond immediately.
He looked through the window at the city.
"Do you remember the first office we worked in?"
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Of course."
"Do you remember when we couldn't afford new computers?"
"Yes."
"Do you remember when I personally guaranteed the company's first loan?"
Victoria took a sip of wine.
"Edward, what exactly are you trying to prove?"
"Nothing. I just want to understand something."
"What?"
"When did you start believing that the people who helped you were no longer worth respecting?"
Victoria put her glass down.
"That's an unfair question."
"Is it?"
"Business isn't about emotions. It's about results."
"Agreed."
"Then stop bringing up the past."
Edward nodded slowly.
"Very well."
He reached into his jacket again and removed a second envelope.
Victoria stared at it.
"What now?"
"Financial records."
She opened it.
Inside were copies of bank transfers, consulting agreements, and invoices.
Her expression changed.
"Where did you get these?"
Edward watched her carefully.
"They belong to the company."
"These are confidential."
"Yes."
"Who gave them to you?"
"Does it matter?"
Victoria pushed the documents away.
"This is ridiculous."
Edward leaned forward.
"Over the past eighteen months, more than four million dollars has disappeared through several consulting agreements."
Victoria's face became tense.
"Those were authorized payments."
"By whom?"
"By management."
"Which members of management?"
Victoria looked around.
A waiter was approaching another table.
She lowered her voice.
"You're making a scene."
"I'm asking a question."
"Not here."
"Why not?"
"Because this is a restaurant."
Edward nodded.
"Then perhaps we should discuss it at the office tomorrow."
Victoria laughed bitterly.
"You won't be going to the office tomorrow."
Edward looked at her.
"Why?"
"Because your access has already been suspended."
For the first time that evening, Edward appeared genuinely disappointed.
"Who authorized that?"
"I did."
"On what grounds?"
"You're no longer capable of contributing to the company's future."
Edward studied her.
He had expected resistance.
He had expected excuses.
But he had not expected her to be so openly disrespectful.
"You have become very confident," he said.
Victoria smiled.
"That's what happens when someone finally learns how business works."
Edward quietly closed the folder.
"Perhaps."
Then he stood.
Victoria frowned.
"Where are you going?"
"Home."
"You're leaving?"
"Yes."
She shook her head.
"Typical. You always walk away when things become difficult."
Edward looked at her one last time.
"No, Victoria. Sometimes walking away is the only way to give someone enough room to reveal who they really are."