Daniel had also contacted Rebecca Stone, who was now coordinating with the company's external legal counsel.
Eleanor sat quietly beside the window.
Isabella brought her a glass of water.
"Thank you," Eleanor said.
"You're welcome, ma'am."
The elderly woman looked toward Daniel.
"He's a determined man."
Isabella smiled slightly.
"Yes, he is."
"He reminds me of my husband."
"Was your husband like that?"
Eleanor nodded.
"Edward never backed down when he believed something was wrong. Sometimes I wished he would. It would have made our lives easier."
Isabella laughed softly.
For a moment, the cabin felt peaceful again.
Then Daniel's phone rang.
It was Rebecca.
"Daniel, I've spoken with our external counsel. They recommend that we arrange an immediate meeting with the charter operator and the company's authorized representatives."
"Where?"
"The airport's executive conference room. The airport security team can provide access."
Daniel looked at Eleanor.
"Can she attend?"
"Of course. She's the source of the evidence."
Eleanor stood.
"Then let's go."
A few minutes later, the aircraft door was opened.
Captain Hayes accompanied them down the stairs.
The two men in dark suits approached immediately.
"Mrs. Whitmore," Martin Cole said. "Mr. Whitmore has asked us to bring you to the company vehicle."
Eleanor looked at him.
"I'm going to the airport conference room."
"That hasn't been approved."
Daniel stepped forward.
"She doesn't require your approval to attend a meeting with her own legal representatives."
Martin looked at him.
"Mr. Brooks, this is an internal family matter."
"No. It's a matter involving an altered passenger manifest, possible corporate misconduct, and an attempt to remove a passenger without documented authorization."
Martin's expression tightened.
"We have no knowledge of any misconduct."
"Then you should have no objection to a documented meeting."
Airport security approached.
"Sir, please step back. We need to verify the purpose of your presence."
Martin looked uncomfortable.
Eleanor adjusted her jacket.
"I suggest you cooperate."
For the first time, Martin did not answer.
The group proceeded toward the airport's executive conference room.
It was a spacious room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the runway. A long wooden table stood in the center, surrounded by leather chairs.
Rebecca Stone was already waiting.
Beside her sat two external lawyers and an airport security representative.
Daniel introduced Eleanor.
Rebecca stood immediately.
"Mrs. Whitmore, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Eleanor shook her hand.
"Thank you for taking this seriously."
"We have reviewed the initial information. We will make sure the evidence is handled appropriately."
Daniel placed the USB drive inside a small evidence envelope provided by the legal team.
The lawyers documented its condition and arranged for a forensic specialist to create a verified copy.
Then Rebecca opened a laptop.
"Before we proceed, I need to ask everyone to keep this discussion confidential and avoid making assumptions until the evidence has been examined."
Eleanor nodded.
Rebecca turned toward her.
"Mrs. Whitmore, can you explain why you believe Richard Whitmore interfered with the investigation?"
Eleanor took a breath.
She described the airport contracts, the missing records, and the payments to questionable subcontractors.
She explained how she had attempted to raise concerns internally.
Finally, she described the recording.
Rebecca listened carefully.
When Eleanor finished, one of the lawyers spoke.
"Do you have any evidence that Richard personally instructed someone to alter financial records?"
Eleanor hesitated.
"Yes."
She opened her handbag and removed another document.
It was an internal memorandum bearing Richard's signature.
The document instructed the finance department to suspend access to certain historical records during a restructuring process.
Daniel examined it.
"Why wasn't this included in the original report?"
"Because it was sent to me privately."
Rebecca looked at the document.
"This could be important."
Suddenly, the conference room door opened.
A man in a dark navy suit entered.
Richard Whitmore.
He looked directly at his mother.
Then at Daniel.
Finally, he turned toward Rebecca.
"What exactly is going on here?"
Nobody answered immediately.
Richard placed his briefcase on the table.
"I believe this meeting is unnecessary."
Daniel leaned back.
"Then you won't mind explaining the altered manifest."
Richard's eyes narrowed.
"That's an operational issue."
"Everything seems to be an operational issue when you don't want to answer a question."
Richard looked toward Eleanor.
"Mother, what are you doing?"
She lifted her head.
"For once, Richard, I'm telling the truth."
The room became silent.
Richard slowly pulled out a chair.
"Then I suggest we discuss this carefully."
He sat down.
But before he could continue, Rebecca opened a document on her laptop.
"Actually, Mr. Whitmore, there's something you need to see."