Alexander had received information that Robert Hayes was meeting Victor's associates at the hotel.
He went there personally.
Daniel had also arrived.
He had received a message from an unknown number claiming that Victor wanted to meet him and explain how the money could be recovered.
Daniel believed this might be his final opportunity to fix everything.
He did not know his father had received the same information.
When Alexander entered the lobby, he saw his son standing near the reception area.
For a moment, he was relieved.
Then he noticed Daniel's expression.
His son looked frightened.
"Daniel."
Daniel turned.
"Father?"
Alexander approached him.
"What are you doing here?"
Daniel hesitated.
"I received a message."
"From whom?"
"Someone connected to Victor."
Alexander's face hardened.
"Did you answer?"
"I was told he could recover the money."
Alexander shook his head.
"Have you learned nothing?"
Daniel tried to explain.
But Alexander was already angry.
He had spent weeks protecting the company from further damage.
He had watched his son make one poor decision after another.
And now Daniel was apparently preparing to meet the same people who had deceived him.
Alexander pointed toward him.
"You are walking directly into another trap."
Daniel looked around.
"Please don't do this here."
"Then stop giving me reasons to come looking for you."
Daniel's eyes filled with tears.
"I just wanted to fix it."
Alexander's expression softened for a fraction of a second.
Then he looked at his son carefully.
"Do you know what the difference is between fixing a mistake and hiding it?"
Daniel shook his head.
"Fixing a mistake requires telling the truth, even when the truth hurts."
Alexander lowered his hand.
"Have you told the investigators everything?"
Daniel looked away.
And that silence told his father everything.
CHAPTER 11: THE MESSAGE ON THE PHONE
Alexander asked Daniel to show him the message.
Daniel unlocked his phone.
The sender had used an unfamiliar number.
The message read:
"We know where the remaining funds are. Come alone. Do not involve your father or the police."
Alexander read it twice.
Then he handed the phone back.
"This is exactly how they controlled you the first time."
Daniel shook his head.
"What if they really know where the money is?"
"Then they can tell the investigators."
"They won't."
"Then they have nothing legitimate to offer you."
Daniel became frustrated.
"You don't understand."
Alexander looked directly at him.
"Then explain it to me."
Daniel took a breath.
He admitted that he had been receiving threats.
Victor's associates had warned him that if he cooperated with investigators, they would release documents suggesting that he had knowingly participated in the fraud.
They claimed to have recordings.
They threatened to destroy his reputation.
Daniel had been terrified.
He had also received messages suggesting that Olivia could become involved.
Alexander's expression changed.
"They threatened Olivia?"
Daniel nodded.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I thought I could handle it."
Alexander closed his eyes.
For the first time that evening, his anger was replaced by concern.
He placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"Daniel, listen to me. You made a terrible mistake, but that does not mean you have to face these people alone."
Daniel looked at him.
"Do you still believe I can become someone better?"
Alexander was silent for a moment.
Then he answered:
"I would not be standing here if I didn't."
CHAPTER 12: THE SECOND MAN ARRIVES
Before Daniel could respond, a man in a dark suit approached them.
It was Robert Hayes.
He looked around the lobby before speaking.