The founder had supposedly retired following a bitter dispute with his board of directors.
Some reports suggested that he had lost most of his fortune.
Others claimed he had voluntarily given up control after a family tragedy.
Emily looked toward the elderly man.
Could this really be the same person?
She searched the name on her laptop.
A photograph appeared.
It showed a younger Arthur Bennett standing beside a group of executives outside a large glass building.
The man in the photograph had darker hair, a broader face, and a confident smile.
But the eyes were unmistakable.
Emily felt a strange chill.
She looked up again.
The elderly man was still speaking with Daniel.
“I don't understand why you weren't informed,” Daniel said.
Arthur looked at him.
“Neither do I.”
“Perhaps the invitation was issued before the final passenger list was updated.”
“Perhaps.”
Daniel glanced at the folded letter.
“May I see it?”
Arthur handed it over.
Daniel read the first paragraph, then examined the signature at the bottom.
His expression grew increasingly troubled.
The letter was signed by Richard Bennett, the current chairman of Bennett Holdings.
Arthur watched him carefully.
“Do you know Richard?”
Daniel nodded.
“Everyone in the company knows him.”
“And do you know what happened between us?”
Daniel avoided his eyes.
“I've heard stories.”
“Stories,” Arthur repeated. “That's an interesting word.”
He paused.
“Which version did you hear?”
Daniel did not answer.
Arthur looked out the window.
“I imagine you heard that I became too old to run the company. That I made poor decisions. That I refused to adapt to a changing world.”
Daniel remained silent.
“Or perhaps you heard that I was emotionally unstable after my wife died, and that I could no longer be trusted with important financial decisions.”
Daniel's jaw tightened.
“I wasn't involved in those events.”
“No, you weren't.”
Arthur looked back at him.
“But you benefited from them.”
The words landed heavily.
Daniel took a small step backward.
“Mr. Bennett, I think we should continue this conversation somewhere more private.”
Arthur nodded toward the empty seat beside him.
“Why? Are you afraid someone might hear?”
Daniel glanced toward Emily.
She quickly lowered her eyes to her laptop.
“I don't think this is the appropriate setting.”
Arthur gave a quiet sigh.
“Then perhaps you should have considered that before allowing my name to become part of your company's private arrangements.”
At that moment, the flight attendant approached.
“Mr. Reed, the captain would like to know whether we're ready for departure.”
Daniel turned toward her.
“Give us another five minutes.”
The attendant nodded and walked away.
Arthur leaned back.
“Tell the captain we can leave.”
Daniel looked surprised.
“Are you certain?”
“Absolutely. I have waited twelve years for this meeting. Another hour won't change anything.”
Emily heard the words.
Twelve years.
The same period during which Arthur Bennett had supposedly disappeared from public life.
She closed her laptop.
“Mr. Bennett?”
Both men turned toward her.
“I'm sorry,” she said. “I don't mean to interrupt, but are you the founder of Bennett Holdings?”
Arthur studied her face.
For the first time, he seemed genuinely surprised.
“Why do you ask?”
“I work in financial analysis. I've studied the company's history.”
Arthur smiled faintly.
“Then you probably know more about my mistakes than I do.”
Emily shook her head.
“I know what the public reports say. But I also know that the company grew under your leadership for nearly thirty years.”
Daniel looked uncomfortable.
Arthur's expression softened.
“Thank you, young lady. That's kind of you to say.”
Emily hesitated.
“May I ask why you're returning now?”
The old man looked down at his hands.
“Because someone has finally decided to tell the truth.”
Before Emily could ask another question, Daniel interrupted.
“Mr. Bennett, we really should discuss this privately.”
Arthur nodded.
“Very well.”
He stood slowly, using the armrest for support.
Emily noticed that he seemed older when standing than he had while sitting.
His shoulders were slightly bent, and his movements were careful.
Daniel immediately offered to help him.
Arthur refused gently.
“I can still stand on my own, Daniel.”
He took a few steps toward the front of the aircraft.
Then he stopped beside Emily.
“Miss Parker.”
“Yes?”
“Would you mind doing me a favor?”
“Of course.”
He pointed toward her handbag.
“Could you keep an eye on that small envelope beside your seat?”
Emily looked down.
A cream-colored envelope had been tucked between the seat cushion and the wall.
She picked it up.
“Is this yours?”
Arthur examined it.
“No.”
He looked toward Daniel.
“Is it yours?”
Daniel's face turned pale.
“No.”
Arthur slowly took the envelope from Emily.
There was no name on the outside.
Only a handwritten date.
October 14.
The date was more than twelve years old.
Arthur opened it carefully.
Inside was a single photograph.
It showed a woman standing outside a hospital, holding the hand of a little girl.
Arthur stared at the picture.
His fingers began to tremble.
Emily noticed the sudden change in his expression.
“Are you all right?”
The old man did not respond.
He turned the photograph over.
There were four words written on the back.
She never stopped looking.
Arthur closed his eyes.
For the first time, Emily saw tears gathering in them.
Daniel stepped closer.
“Mr. Bennett, please give me that.”
Arthur looked at him.
“Why?”
Daniel swallowed.