"It proves they were afraid of Margaret's investigation."
Edward felt his stomach tighten.
"Do you think Collins had something to do with her death?"
Michael shook his head.
"I don't know. This message alone does not prove that."
Edward nodded.
"Then we must find out."
The investigation was expanded.
Hospital records were requested through the appropriate legal process.
Old correspondence was reviewed.
Former employees were interviewed.
Eventually, a nurse who had worked at the hospital contacted Robert.
She said she remembered Margaret.
She also remembered an unusual visitor on the night Margaret was admitted.
It was Mr. Collins.
Edward felt his entire body become cold.
"Why was he there?"
The nurse explained that Collins had claimed to be a family representative.
He had asked several questions about Margaret's medical condition.
He had also requested access to certain personal documents.
The nurse remembered Margaret becoming distressed when she saw him.
She had asked the staff not to let him into her room again.
Edward listened in disbelief.
Then the nurse provided another detail.
Before Margaret lost consciousness, she had asked for a telephone.
She wanted to call Edward.
But the call had never connected.
Edward closed his eyes.
"Why?"
The nurse looked uncomfortable.
"Someone told us that the family had requested privacy and that calls should be handled through the designated representative."
Edward's face became pale.
He understood that someone might have prevented Margaret from speaking to him.
But he refused to jump to conclusions.
He asked the legal team to continue the investigation.
He wanted evidence.
Not rumors.
Not revenge.
The truth.
CHAPTER 7: THE CONFRONTATION
Two weeks later, Collins was formally asked to attend a meeting with the company's legal representatives.
He arrived wearing his usual expensive suit.
His expression was confident.
"Mr. Harrison," he said, extending his hand. "It's been a difficult few weeks."
Edward did not take his hand.
"Sit down."
Collins slowly lowered himself into the chair.
Michael placed several documents on the table.
"Do you recognize these transactions?"
Collins glanced at them.
"Some of them."
"Did you authorize payments to these companies?"
"I advised the company on several financial matters."
Michael placed another document in front of him.
"And this email?"
Collins looked at the screen.
For the first time, his expression changed.
Edward watched him carefully.
"Did you know Margaret had discovered the transfers?"
Collins adjusted his tie.
"Your wife was concerned about several matters. She misunderstood the financial arrangements."
Edward leaned forward.
"Did you visit her at the hospital?"
Collins remained silent.
"Answer me."
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I was trying to resolve a business disagreement."
Edward's voice became quiet.
"She was dying."
Collins looked away.
"I was not responsible for her medical condition."
Edward's eyes filled with tears.
"Did you prevent her from contacting me?"
Collins hesitated.
"I don't recall."
Michael placed another record on the table.
"According to the hospital's internal report, a visitor requested that her calls be restricted."
Collins became visibly uncomfortable.
"That is not proof of anything."
Edward nodded slowly.
"You are right. That is why the matter will be investigated by the appropriate authorities."
Collins stood up.
"This is becoming ridiculous."
Michael remained seated.
"Please sit down. We haven't finished."
Collins looked toward the door.
Edward spoke again.
"You spent years convincing my son that greed was ambition. You convinced him that dishonesty was necessary for success. You used his fear to manipulate him."
Collins shook his head.
"Daniel made his own decisions."
Edward nodded.
"Yes. He did. And he will answer for them."
He paused.
"But you will answer for yours."
Collins left the room without another word.
The legal investigation continued.
No one knew exactly how long it would take.
But for the first time, Edward felt that Margaret's voice was finally being heard.
CHAPTER 8: DANIEL'S FALL
The investigation had consequences.
Daniel lost his executive position.
Several financial arrangements were canceled.
He was required to cooperate with investigators and face the legal consequences of the transactions he had knowingly approved.
Some business partners abandoned him.
Friends stopped returning his calls.
The luxurious lifestyle he had once considered essential disappeared.
For the first time in his adult life, Daniel had to live without the protection of his position.
One evening, he came to the mansion carrying a small suitcase.
Emily opened the door.
"Daniel?"
He looked exhausted.
"Can I come in?"
She stepped aside.
Daniel entered the living room.
Edward was sitting near the window.
When he saw his son, he slowly stood up.
"Is everything all right?"
Daniel gave a bitter smile.
"No."
Edward waited.
"I lost my apartment. The bank has frozen several accounts while the investigation continues. My business partners have disappeared."
He paused.
"I don't know where to go."
Edward looked at him.
"You can stay here."
Daniel seemed surprised.
"After everything?"
Edward nodded.
"This is still your home. But staying here does not mean avoiding responsibility."
Daniel lowered his head.
"I understand."
Emily approached.
"Have you eaten?"
Daniel shook his head.
She went into the kitchen.
A few minutes later, she returned with a plate of food.
Daniel stared at it.
"Why are you doing this?"
Emily sat opposite him.
"Because you are my brother."
Daniel's eyes filled with tears.
"After what I did to Michael?"
"Yes."
"After everything I did to Father?"
Emily took a deep breath.