"Do you really believe that?"
"Yes."
She looked back at the screen.
The reporter continued.
"Investigators are examining whether the original financial records were deliberately altered and whether evidence was suppressed during the initial inquiry."
Emily turned off the television.
"I don't want this to become a spectacle."
Alexander nodded.
"Then don't let the media decide what your father's story means."
"What do you mean?"
"Your father wasn't simply a victim of a scandal. He was a person who stood up for what was right."
Emily looked at him.
"And now?"
"Now you get to decide how his story ends."
CHAPTER 18: THE COLLAPSE OF A KINGDOM
Richard Whitmore had built his company over four decades.
He had survived economic downturns, business disputes, lawsuits, and hostile takeovers.
He had always believed that his reputation was stronger than any accusation.
But this time, the evidence was different.
The board of directors held an emergency meeting.
Several members demanded his resignation.
The company's auditors announced an independent review.
Banks began questioning outstanding credit arrangements.
Investors demanded explanations.
Employees feared for their jobs.
Richard entered the conference room and looked at the people who had once admired him.
"What is this?"
The chairman of the board answered.
"A discussion about your position."
Richard laughed.
"My position?"
"Yes."
"I built this company."
"And we appreciate what you have done."
Richard slammed his folder onto the table.
"Then why am I being treated like a criminal?"
One director spoke.
"Because there are serious allegations involving financial misconduct and evidence suppression."
Richard pointed toward him.
"Allegations. Nothing has been proven."
Another director replied.
"That is why we need an independent investigation."
Richard looked around the room.
"You're all willing to destroy forty years of work because of one disgruntled employee's daughter?"
The chairman shook his head.
"This is not about one woman. It is about the evidence."
Richard's face darkened.
He realized that his usual tactics were no longer working.
For decades, people had feared losing their jobs, investments, and reputations.
Now the board members had begun to fear something else.
Being associated with him.
Richard left the meeting without another word.
In the elevator, he called Victor.
No answer.
He called again.
Still nothing.
Then he received a message.
"Do not contact me."
Richard stared at the screen.
His partner had abandoned him.
His wife had left.
His son had turned against him.
And the company he had built was beginning to reject him.
For the first time, Richard Whitmore was alone.
CHAPTER 19: THE FINAL CONFRONTATION
Two weeks later, Emily received a letter from Richard's attorney.
Richard wanted to meet her privately.
Alexander advised against it.
"There's no reason for you to go."
Emily read the letter again.
"He says he wants to apologize."
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"After everything?"
"Maybe he wants to tell me something."
"We can arrange for any conversation to happen with witnesses present."
Emily nodded.
"That's what I want."
The meeting was arranged in a neutral conference room.
Richard arrived with his attorney.
He looked older than before.
His hair was uncombed, and his face appeared tired.
Emily entered with Alexander.
Richard stood.
"Emily."
She did not shake his hand.
"Mr. Whitmore."
He looked at her for several seconds.
Then he said:
"I owe you an apology."
Emily remained silent.
Richard continued.
"I behaved badly in my home."
"You grabbed me."
"Yes."
"You tore my blouse."
"I know."
"You tried to take evidence from me."
Richard looked down.
"Yes."
Emily took a breath.
"Why?"
He sat down.
"Because I was afraid."
The answer surprised her.
Richard looked toward the window.
"Your father was an honest man. I knew that."
Emily felt her chest tighten.
"Then why did you destroy him?"
Richard closed his eyes.
"Because I believed the company would collapse if the truth came out."
"So you chose to sacrifice an innocent man."
"I thought I could control the situation."
"You controlled his life. You controlled the investigation. You controlled the story people told about him."
Richard looked at her.
"I know."
Emily's voice trembled.
"No, you don't. You don't know what happened to us after he died. You don't know how my mother cried every night. You don't know how I had to work two jobs because people refused to hire me after discovering my last name."
Richard said nothing.
"You took away his reputation. You took away our security. You made us feel ashamed of a man who had done nothing wrong."
Richard's eyes became wet.
"I made a terrible mistake."
Emily shook her head.
"Stop calling it a mistake."
He looked at her.
"It was a decision. You knew what you were doing."
Richard lowered his eyes.
"You're right."
Alexander remained silent.
Emily leaned forward.
"I want one thing from you."
Richard looked up.
"What?"
"Tell the truth."
He hesitated.
"Everything?"
"Everything."
Richard swallowed.
Then he began speaking.
He explained how Victor had created Northbridge Consulting.
He described the false accounts, the unauthorized transfers, and the pressure placed on Thomas.
He admitted that he had approved the initial plan to blame Thomas for the missing money.
He also admitted that he had known Thomas was innocent.
But when Emily asked about the night of her father's death, Richard became quiet.
Alexander leaned forward.
"What happened that night?"
Richard stared at his hands.
"Thomas came to the house."
"Why?"
"He wanted the original records."
"And?"
"Victor was already there."
Emily's breathing changed.
"What happened?"
Richard closed his eyes.
"Thomas accused us of stealing the money. He said he had copies of everything."
"Then what?"
"Victor became angry."
Richard stopped.
Emily leaned forward.
"Did Victor hurt him?"
Richard nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Emily covered her mouth.
Richard continued.
"Thomas refused to hand over the files. Victor pushed him. He fell against the table."
Emily began crying.
"Was he conscious?"
"For a short time."
"Did you call an ambulance?"
Richard looked away.
"I should have."
Emily stared at him.
"What did you do?"