Victor: "I gave them the records relating to the transaction."
Marcus stood up.
Marcus: "You are supposed to be my partner!"
Victor: "I am not going to risk my company because you made promises without the necessary authority."
Marcus looked at him with disbelief.
The meeting ended shortly afterward.
Marcus left the restaurant feeling more alone than ever.
He had believed that Victor would support him because they had worked together on several projects.
But Victor was now protecting himself.
The realization made Marcus angry, although a small part of him understood that Victor was responding to the same uncertainty that had surrounded the entire arrangement.
On the following morning, Richard received the completed verification report from Helen.
The report confirmed that certain electronic documents had been created and submitted through accounts associated with Marcus's business activities.
It also identified correspondence indicating that Marcus had represented the disputed transactions as approved before Arthur had given final authorization.
The consulting payment was traced to a company that had a business relationship with one of Victor's associates.
Further investigation was required to establish the purpose of that payment and whether Marcus had received any personal benefit.
Richard brought the findings to Arthur.
Richard: "We have enough information to request a formal explanation from Marcus regarding these additional transactions."
Arthur: "Has he been given the opportunity to respond to the earlier findings?"
Richard: "Yes. We are still waiting for his complete written response."
Arthur looked at the report.
Arthur: "Then give him another opportunity. I want everything documented."
Richard: "And the confrontation?"
Arthur: "The security footage will remain preserved. That matter will be addressed separately."
Richard nodded.
Arthur was determined not to let his personal disappointment interfere with the investigation.
He knew that if he allowed emotions to guide every decision, the situation could become even more damaging.
That afternoon, he asked Eleanor to visit his office.
She arrived shortly afterward.
Eleanor: "You wanted to see me?"
Arthur: "Yes. I want to talk about Marcus."
Eleanor sat down.
Arthur: "The investigation has uncovered additional information."
Eleanor immediately became concerned.
Eleanor: "How serious is it?"
Arthur: "Serious enough that we need to understand exactly what happened before making any final decisions."
Eleanor looked down.
Eleanor: "I am afraid he has made a terrible mistake."
Arthur: "I am afraid of the same thing."
Eleanor: "Do you think he can change?"
Arthur did not answer immediately.
Arthur: "People can change, Eleanor. But they must first accept that something needs to change."
Eleanor nodded.
Arthur: "I am not interested in humiliating him. I do not want the family arguing publicly or turning this into a spectacle."
Eleanor: "Neither do I."
Arthur: "But I will not protect anyone by pretending that the facts do not exist."
She looked at her father.
Eleanor: "I understand."
Arthur reached for a photograph on his desk.
It showed Marcus as a child, standing beside his grandfather in the garden.
Both were smiling.
Arthur held it for a moment.
Arthur: "Do you remember this day?"
Eleanor smiled faintly.
Eleanor: "Of course. He was about ten. He insisted on helping you plant those roses."
Arthur: "He was so proud of himself."
Eleanor: "He wanted to be like you."
Arthur placed the photograph back on the desk.
Arthur: "That is what makes this so difficult."
For a few moments, they sat together in silence.
Then Eleanor asked a question she had been afraid to ask.
Eleanor: "Do you think you will ever forgive him?"
Arthur looked at his daughter.
Arthur: "Forgiveness and trust are two different things."
Eleanor listened carefully.
Arthur: "I can forgive someone without immediately giving them the same authority they had before. Trust has to be rebuilt through consistent actions."
Eleanor nodded.
Arthur: "And I hope Marcus understands that."
Two days later, Marcus finally submitted his written explanation.
It was several pages long.
He described the investment opportunity, his conversations with Victor, and the reasons he believed the transactions would benefit the family.
He admitted that he had acted beyond his authority on certain occasions.
He also acknowledged that some documents had been prepared before final approval was obtained.
However, he continued to insist that he had never intended to personally steal money or damage the company.
Arthur read the statement carefully.
Richard reviewed it alongside the financial records.
Helen compared the explanations with the electronic correspondence.
Several details remained unresolved.
The investigation was therefore continued.
Marcus was invited to another meeting.
This time, he arrived without the confidence he had displayed during their previous discussion.
He looked tired.
His usual arrogance had been replaced by uncertainty.
Arthur was seated near the window.
Richard and Helen were present, and Eleanor had chosen to attend as well.
Arthur gestured toward the chair.
Arthur: "Please sit down."
Marcus sat.
Arthur placed his written explanation on the table.
Arthur: "I have read your statement."
Marcus: "I tried to explain everything as clearly as I could."
Arthur: "I appreciate that."
Marcus waited.
Arthur: "There are still questions that need answers."
Marcus: "I understand."
Helen opened her laptop.
Helen: "We have compared your explanation with the available correspondence and payment records. Some of your statements are consistent with the documents. Others require clarification."