"Responsibility does not mean making decisions without permission."
Daniel sighed.
"You're getting older, Father. You can't manage every detail forever."
The words hurt more than Daniel realized.
Arthur had never been afraid of growing old. He understood that time eventually demanded its price from everyone.
What frightened him was the possibility that his son no longer respected him.
Nevertheless, he decided not to argue.
He contacted his longtime attorney, Mr. Bennett, and requested a complete review of the company's financial records.
Three days later, Bennett arrived at the mansion carrying a thick folder.
His expression was unusually serious.
"Arthur, I think we need to discuss something important."
They sat in the study.
Bennett opened the folder and placed several documents on the desk.
"Some of these agreements appear to have been authorized using your company's credentials. However, there are inconsistencies in the supporting records."
Arthur adjusted his glasses.
"What exactly are you suggesting?"
"I'm not making an accusation yet. But I strongly recommend that we investigate before signing or approving anything further."
Arthur looked down at the documents.
He recognized the company names.
He recognized the properties.
And then he saw Daniel's name.
For several seconds, he could not speak.
"Is my son involved?"
Bennett paused.
"I don't know the full extent of his involvement. That's why we need evidence."
Arthur slowly closed the folder.
He felt as though someone had placed a heavy stone on his chest.
He wanted to defend Daniel.
He wanted to believe that there was a reasonable explanation.
But for the first time in his life, he wondered whether the child he had raised had become a man he no longer understood.
CHAPTER 5: THE AFTERNOON OF TEARS
The confrontation took place on a Thursday afternoon.
Arthur had invited Daniel and Olivia to the mansion.
Emily was also there because she had planned to visit her grandfather before returning to her apartment.
The weather outside was peaceful. Sunlight entered through the tall windows, illuminating the expensive furniture and family photographs.
It was the kind of afternoon that should have been ordinary.
Arthur placed the financial documents on the coffee table.
"Daniel, I need you to explain these transactions."
Daniel glanced at the papers.
His expression changed immediately.
"Where did you get these?"
"From the company's records."
"Who gave them to you?"
"That is not important. What matters is that I want to understand what happened."
Daniel stood up.
"Father, this is ridiculous. You're allowing people to turn you against your own son."
Arthur looked directly at him.
"Then help me understand."
Olivia remained silent.
Emily watched the conversation carefully.
Daniel picked up one document and placed it back down.
"These are complicated financial arrangements. You wouldn't understand every detail."
Arthur's eyes narrowed.
"I built the company you're talking about."
"And I helped it grow!"
"Then you should have no difficulty explaining your decisions."
Daniel became increasingly frustrated.
He began speaking about the pressure of managing a large business, the expectations placed upon him, and the difficulties of dealing with employees who still treated Arthur as the ultimate authority.
Arthur listened without interrupting.
When Daniel finally stopped, his father asked one question.
"Did you use my authority to approve agreements that I never authorized?"
The room fell silent.
Daniel looked toward Olivia.
Olivia lowered her eyes.
Emily noticed the exchange.
It lasted only a second, but it was enough to make her suspicious.
Daniel turned back to his father.
"You need to trust me."
Arthur's voice became softer.
"I trusted you more than anyone."
For the first time, Daniel appeared unable to respond.
Arthur looked at the documents again.
"I never wanted to control your life. I gave you opportunities because I wanted you to build something meaningful. But I cannot allow my name, my employees, and everything I worked for to become part of something dishonest."
Daniel shook his head.
"You are making a terrible mistake."
Arthur looked exhausted.
"No, son. I think I may have made a mistake long before today."
Those words broke something inside him.
His hands began to tremble.
He slowly removed his glasses and pressed his fingers against his eyes.
The tears came before he could stop them.
Olivia moved closer, visibly distressed.
"Arthur, please..."
But he raised one hand.
"Don't."
His voice was barely audible.
"I don't know which part hurts more. The possibility that you betrayed me, or the fact that I spent so many years teaching you to become a better man."
Emily covered her mouth.
Daniel looked away.