He knew what he had to do.
He had to tell his father.
But he couldn't bring himself to make the call.
He imagined Alexander's reaction.
The disappointment.
The anger.
The possibility that he would be removed from the company forever.
Instead of telling the truth immediately, Daniel made another mistake.
He attempted to conceal the missing money.
CHAPTER 6: THE COVER-UP
Daniel contacted a junior accountant named Michael Brooks.
Michael had worked at Harrison Global for four years and was known for being careful with financial records.
Daniel asked him to review several transactions.
At first, Michael assumed it was a routine request.
Then he noticed the irregularities.
"Mr. Harrison, these transfers don't match the approved investment schedule."
Daniel looked uncomfortable.
"There's been a delay."
"Do we have updated documentation?"
"Not yet."
Michael continued reviewing the records.
"Who authorized the transaction?"
Daniel hesitated.
"I did."
Michael looked up.
"Was it approved by the board?"
"No."
The room became silent.
Michael understood the seriousness of the situation.
"Mr. Harrison, we need to report this."
Daniel shook his head.
"Give me two weeks."
"Sir, I don't think you understand. This is company money."
"I understand perfectly."
Daniel stood.
"I will recover it. I just need time."
Michael looked at him with concern.
"What happens if you can't?"
Daniel had no answer.
He left the office and called Victor again.
This time, someone answered.
It was an unfamiliar voice.
"Stop calling this number."
"Where is Victor?"
"He's not available."
"I need my money."
The person laughed.
"You should have read the agreement more carefully."
The call ended.
Daniel realized he had been deliberately manipulated.
But the damage was already done.
CHAPTER 7: A FATHER'S WARNING
Alexander discovered the missing funds two weeks later.
He had been reviewing the company's quarterly reports when he noticed an unusual discrepancy.
At first, he assumed it was an accounting error.
Then he requested the original transaction records.
The documents carried Daniel's authorization.
Alexander immediately summoned his son.
The meeting took place in his private office.
"Sit down."
Daniel remained standing.
"Father, I can explain."
Alexander looked at the documents.
"How much?"
Daniel lowered his eyes.
"Almost eight million dollars."
Alexander closed the folder.
"Where is it?"
"An investment project."
"What project?"
Daniel explained everything.
He described Victor, the hotel development, the investors, and the false financial projections.
Alexander listened without interrupting.
When Daniel finished, his father stood.
"Did you verify the company?"
"I thought I had."
"Did you verify the investors?"
"Yes."
"Properly?"
Daniel remained silent.
Alexander walked toward the window.
"Did you obtain board approval?"
"No."
"Did you consult the financial department?"
"No."
"Did you read the contract?"
Daniel looked down.
"I did."
Alexander turned around.
"Then how could you be so careless?"
Daniel's voice became defensive.
"I was trying to build something of my own."
"Using money that belongs to thousands of shareholders?"
"I thought I could return it before anyone noticed."
Alexander stared at him.
"That sentence tells me more about your judgment than the money itself."
Daniel clenched his hands.
"You never trusted me with anything important."
Alexander's expression changed.
"Is that what this is about?"
"Yes!"
Daniel finally raised his voice.
"Every time I try to do something, you find a reason to criticize me. You never let me make my own decisions."
Alexander remained quiet.
Daniel continued.
"I wanted to prove that I could succeed without you."
Alexander looked at him for a long time.
"Then why did you use my company's money?"
Daniel had no answer.