"I received an inquiry several months ago."
"From whom?"
"Your wife."
Daniel closed his eyes.
"What did she ask?"
"She wanted information about transferring certain assets into a different management structure."
"Did she have authorization?"
"No."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Your mother asked me to wait until she had spoken with you. She hoped the situation could be resolved privately."
Daniel felt as though the floor had shifted beneath him.
Victoria had not simply argued with his mother.
She had been making plans involving property that did not belong to her.
"Mr. Collins, I need copies of every relevant document."
"Certainly. But Daniel, I want you to understand something. If the signature on the transfer paperwork is not your mother's, this may be a serious legal matter."
Daniel looked at the notebook.
His father's handwriting seemed almost alive on the page.
"Then I want everything investigated properly."
CHAPTER FIVE: THE CONFRONTATION
That evening, Victoria returned from shopping.
She entered the bedroom and found Daniel sitting on the edge of the bed.
He was holding a folder.
"What's that?"
"Documents."
Victoria placed her handbag on the table.
"Work documents?"
"No. Family documents."
Her expression changed slightly.
Daniel opened the folder.
"I spoke with Richard Collins today."
Victoria became very still.
"Why?"
"Because my father left instructions concerning the family trust."
She laughed nervously.
"Daniel, you're making this into something much bigger than it is."
"Then explain the documents."
"I already explained everything."
"No, you didn't."
He placed a copy of the transfer request on the bed.
"This document attempts to change the management of my mother's property."
Victoria crossed her arms.
"Your mother doesn't understand financial management."
"That doesn't answer my question."
"I was trying to help."
"By signing her name?"
"I didn't sign anything."
Daniel looked directly at her.
"The attorney has the original records."
Victoria turned away.
For several seconds, she said nothing.
Then she spoke in a softer voice.
"Daniel, listen to me. Your mother is getting older. She needs someone to make decisions for her. I was trying to protect the family."
"Protect the family from what?"
"From financial problems."
"What financial problems?"
Victoria hesitated.
Daniel noticed.
"Tell me the truth."
She finally sat down.
"Your company has been under pressure. There were expenses. I thought we needed to reorganize some assets."
"What expenses?"
"Household expenses. Investments. Things you don't have time to deal with."
Daniel shook his head.
"You had no right to use my mother's name."
Victoria's eyes filled with tears.
"After everything I've done, you still believe her over me?"
"This isn't about choosing sides. It's about evidence."
She stood up.
"You have changed."
"No. I think I'm finally paying attention."
Victoria looked at him with anger.
"You will regret this."
Daniel did not respond.
He had heard enough.
CHAPTER SIX: THE FINAL ARGUMENT
The following morning, Eleanor was in the living room when Victoria entered.
Daniel was away speaking with his attorney.
Victoria stopped in front of the elderly woman.
"Are you happy now?"
Eleanor looked up.
"I don't understand."
"You have destroyed everything."
"I haven't destroyed anything."
"You brought those papers to Daniel. You made him investigate me."
"I only wanted to understand what was happening."
Victoria laughed.
"You're an old woman who cannot accept that her son has his own life."
Eleanor remained calm.
"My son has always had his own life."
"Then why do you insist on being part of it?"
"Because I am his mother."
Victoria's expression hardened.
"That is exactly the problem."
Eleanor stood slowly.
"I never asked Daniel to choose between us. I only asked to be treated with respect."
Victoria stepped closer.
"You think you're some kind of saint?"
"No."
"Then stop acting like one."
"I have made mistakes in my life, Victoria. Many mistakes. But I have never believed that hurting another person would make me stronger."
Victoria turned away, then suddenly faced her again.
"You're going to lose everything."
Eleanor looked at her with quiet sadness.
"Perhaps I have already lost something more important."
"What?"
"The family I thought we had."
Those words struck Victoria in a way she had not expected.
For a brief moment, she seemed unable to respond.
Then she raised her voice again.
The argument grew louder.
Eleanor tried to walk away, but Victoria moved into her path.
At that moment, Daniel returned.
He heard the shouting from the hallway and hurried into the living room.
He saw Victoria standing aggressively in front of his mother.
"Victoria! Step away from her!"
She turned sharply.
"Daniel, you don't understand!"
"I understand enough."
The situation became chaotic.
Victoria made a sudden movement toward Eleanor. Daniel rushed between them, trying to protect his mother and stop the confrontation.
In the confusion, Victoria lost her balance and fell.
A nearby table moved, and several decorative objects dropped onto the floor.
Daniel immediately checked on his mother.
"Mom! Are you hurt?"
Eleanor shook her head.
"I'm all right."
Victoria remained on the floor, furious and shocked.
"You pushed me!"
Daniel looked at her.
"I was trying to stop you from approaching my mother."
"You attacked me!"
"Enough, Victoria."
The sound of a door opening interrupted them.
Two police officers entered the room.
They had been called after the attorney and Margaret reported concerns about the disputed documents and the escalating situation.
One officer approached Daniel.
"Sir, we need to understand what happened."
Daniel stepped back and allowed them to speak with everyone.
Victoria immediately began explaining her version of events.
But this time, there were witnesses, records, and documents.
The officers asked Margaret to provide her statement.
They also requested copies of the financial paperwork.
Nobody was making a final judgment in the living room that morning.
That responsibility belonged to the proper authorities and the courts.
But one thing was clear.
The family could no longer pretend nothing had happened.