Now, with the investigation beginning, that reassurance was becoming difficult to maintain.
Marcus: "I need to speak with Victor."
Sophia: "About what?"
Marcus: "A business matter."
Sophia: "Is it connected to the documents your grandfather is investigating?"
Marcus did not answer.
Sophia watched him carefully.
Sophia: "Marcus, if there is something you need to explain, you should do it before things become worse."
Marcus: "I know what I am doing."
But his expression suggested otherwise.
He called Victor.
The call was answered after several rings.
Victor: "Marcus. I have been trying to reach you."
Marcus: "I know. I have been dealing with a family issue."
Victor: "That is exactly what I wanted to discuss. We were supposed to receive confirmation yesterday."
Marcus: "There has been a delay."
Victor: "What kind of delay?"
Marcus: "My grandfather is reviewing some internal arrangements."
Victor became silent.
Victor: "Does that mean the funding is uncertain?"
Marcus: "No. It is temporary."
Victor: "You told me the authorization had already been secured."
Marcus rubbed his forehead.
Marcus: "It will be handled."
Victor: "I need something more definite than that. We have people waiting for confirmation."
Marcus: "Give me a few days."
Victor: "I have already given you several weeks."
The conversation became increasingly uncomfortable.
Marcus finally promised to call again after speaking with his grandfather.
When the call ended, he sat down.
Sophia could tell that something was seriously wrong.
Sophia: "You need to tell me what is happening."
Marcus: "I said I am handling it."
Sophia: "Then why do you look so frightened?"
Marcus did not respond.
For the first time, he realized that his problems might extend beyond his relationship with Arthur.
The business arrangement with Victor was not the only matter requiring attention.
There were other commitments.
Other people.
And documents that could reveal how Marcus had presented himself as having authority he might never actually have possessed.
Back at the estate, Eleanor was preparing for the meeting her father had requested.
She had spent most of the morning thinking about the previous evening.
The image of Marcus gripping Arthur's clothing continued to return to her mind.
She remembered her father's expression.
He had not looked frightened.
He had looked deeply disappointed.
That was somehow more painful.
Eleanor went to Arthur's office shortly before noon.
She knocked gently.
Eleanor: "Dad, may I come in?"
Arthur looked up.
Arthur: "Of course."
She entered and sat across from him.
For a few moments, neither spoke.
Then Eleanor finally broke the silence.
Eleanor: "How are you feeling?"
Arthur: "A little tired. Nothing serious."
Eleanor: "You should have a doctor examine you."
Arthur: "I will if necessary."
Eleanor looked at his cardigan, which had been placed neatly over the back of a chair.
Eleanor: "I am sorry about last night."
Arthur looked at her.
Arthur: "Why are you apologizing?"
Eleanor: "Because I should have done more to stop him."
Arthur: "You tried."
Eleanor: "I should have intervened earlier. I have watched him behave this way for years, and I kept telling myself that he would eventually change."
Arthur leaned back.
Arthur: "You are his mother. You wanted to believe the best about him."
Eleanor: "That does not excuse what happened."
Arthur: "No. It does not."
She lowered her eyes.
Eleanor: "Are you going to remove him from the company?"
Arthur did not answer immediately.
Arthur: "I am going to investigate what has happened. That is the first thing."
Eleanor: "And after that?"
Arthur: "We will make decisions based on the facts."
Eleanor looked worried.
Eleanor: "He will think you are abandoning him."
Arthur: "Then perhaps he should think about why his actions have brought us to this point."
Eleanor: "He is still your grandson."
Arthur: "I know that better than anyone."
He paused.
Arthur: "But being family does not mean we should pretend that harmful behavior is acceptable."
Eleanor nodded slowly.
She knew her father was right.
Still, she feared what the investigation might reveal.
Arthur opened another folder and removed several documents.
He placed them on the desk between them.
Arthur: "Have you seen these before?"
Eleanor examined the papers.
Her expression changed almost immediately.
Eleanor: "What are they?"
Arthur: "Payment authorizations and correspondence connected to several investment projects."
Eleanor: "Why are you showing me these?"
Arthur: "Because some of the documents carry my signature."
Eleanor looked more closely.
Eleanor: "Did you sign them?"
Arthur shook his head.
Eleanor stared at the papers.
Eleanor: "Are you saying someone copied your signature?"
Arthur: "I am saying that I do not remember approving these transactions."
Eleanor: "Could there have been a misunderstanding?"
Arthur: "That is what we are trying to establish."
She examined the dates.
One of the documents had been prepared during a period when Arthur had been recovering away from the office.
Another appeared to have been processed without the usual supporting paperwork.
Eleanor looked increasingly disturbed.
Eleanor: "Does Marcus know about these?"
Arthur: "He knows I have been reviewing the company's finances."
Eleanor: "But does he know you found these documents?"
Arthur: "I have not discussed every detail with him."
Eleanor slowly placed the papers back on the desk.