One approached Robert.
"Mr. Hayes, we need to ask you some questions regarding the Harrison Global investigation."
Robert tried to remain calm.
"I have already provided a statement."
"We have additional information."
Robert glanced at Daniel.
For a moment, his expression suggested that he wanted to say something.
But he remained silent.
The investigators escorted him toward a private meeting area.
Alexander watched them leave.
Daniel stood beside him.
The younger man looked exhausted.
"Father, I'm sorry."
Alexander turned.
"Do you know what hurt me most?"
Daniel shook his head.
"It wasn't the money."
Alexander's voice became quieter.
"It was that you believed you had to lie to me rather than admit you had made a mistake."
Daniel looked down.
"I thought you would never respect me again."
Alexander stared at him.
"Respect is not something you earn by pretending to be perfect. It is something you build by taking responsibility."
Daniel's eyes filled with tears.
He finally understood.
CHAPTER 15: THE WOMAN WAITING AT HOME
Olivia had been waiting for Daniel to return.
She knew something serious was happening.
For weeks, he had been distant.
He had stopped answering certain calls in front of her.
He had become nervous whenever his phone vibrated.
And although he repeatedly promised that everything would be fine, she could see the fear in his eyes.
When Daniel finally arrived home, Olivia was sitting in the living room.
"Where were you?"
"With my father."
She studied his face.
"What happened?"
Daniel sat down.
He told her everything.
He admitted that he had concealed the second transfer.
He explained Robert's involvement and the threats he had received.
Olivia listened without interrupting.
When he finished, she remained quiet for a long time.
Then she asked:
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Daniel looked at his hands.
"I was ashamed."
Olivia nodded slowly.
"I understand being ashamed. But you cannot build a future with someone if you keep hiding the truth from them."
Daniel looked at her.
"Are you leaving me?"
Olivia sighed.
"I don't know."
He felt his chest tighten.
"I love you."
"I love you too. But I need to know that the person I'm building a life with can be honest, even when honesty is uncomfortable."
Daniel nodded.
"I will cooperate with the investigation."
"And?"
"I'll stop trying to fix everything secretly."
Olivia reached for his hand.
"Then start there."
CHAPTER 16: THE INVESTIGATION EXPANDS
The investigation continued for several months.
Authorities examined the financial transactions, the shell companies, the communications between Victor and Robert, and the documents signed by Daniel.
Several additional victims were identified.
Some had invested their personal savings.
Others had borrowed money to participate in projects that never existed.
The investigators discovered that Victor's organization had used a network of false development proposals to attract wealthy investors.
Daniel was not the first person they had manipulated.
But he was among the most valuable targets because of his connection to Harrison Global.
Robert had helped them obtain confidential information.
Victor had designed the operation around Daniel's desire to prove himself.
The financial records eventually revealed where much of the money had gone.
Some funds had been transferred through accounts controlled by Victor's associates.
Others had been used to purchase property and luxury assets.
A portion was recovered.
The remaining losses were still under investigation.
Daniel cooperated fully.
He provided his messages, emails, documents, and passwords.
He also acknowledged that he had authorized transactions without proper approval.
His cooperation did not guarantee that he would avoid legal consequences.