"Those transactions were part of an internal restructuring."
Helen displayed another document.
"Then perhaps you can explain why these suppliers never existed."
The room erupted in whispers.
Richard looked toward the screen.
"This information is incomplete."
Helen continued.
"These payments were later transferred into companies controlled by individuals connected to Mr. Collins."
Another director opened his folder.
"Is this true?"
Richard raised his voice.
"This is an attempt to discredit me."
Helen looked toward Daniel.
"Please play the recording."
Daniel pressed a button.
Richard's voice filled the room.
"The Carter situation was handled years ago. Nobody is going to reopen it. The documents were signed, the investigation was closed, and Michael is gone."
The room became completely silent.
Then came the next sentence.
"Then we'll make sure he doesn't live long enough to show anyone."
Richard immediately stood.
"Turn that off!"
Daniel looked directly at him.
"Why? Are you afraid people will hear what you said?"
Richard moved toward the laptop.
One of the investigators stepped between them.
Helen continued.
"We also have testimony from former employees and families who were affected by the company's misconduct."
Thomas Miller entered the room.
He walked slowly with a cane.
Several directors recognized him from old company records.
Thomas placed the original safety report on the table.
"I worked for this company for twenty-three years," he said. "I was injured because safety regulations were ignored. When I asked for compensation, I was threatened."
Richard stared at him.
Thomas continued.
"Michael Carter helped me when nobody else would. He tried to expose what happened, but you destroyed his reputation."
Richard's face turned red.
"This man is lying!"
Thomas looked at him calmly.
"I have waited twenty-five years to say this."
He placed his hand on the report.
"And I am not afraid of you anymore."
Victoria stood beside him.
"My father made mistakes. He trusted the wrong person and failed to protect innocent people. But he is not the criminal you claim he is."
She looked around the room.
"He is the man who built this company. And the man who eventually found the courage to expose the truth."
One director slowly closed his folder.
"I think this meeting should be suspended."
Another agreed.
Richard looked around.
He was losing control.
Then Helen delivered the final piece of information.
"We have also identified attempts to steal documents from the Carter family residence. The police are investigating those incidents, along with the individuals involved."
Richard looked at her.
"Are you accusing me of ordering a burglary?"
"I'm stating that the evidence is being investigated."
Richard turned toward the board.
"You're all making a terrible mistake."
Robert Hayes stood.
"No, Richard. I believe we've made one for far too long."
The directors began discussing the matter.
The proposed suspension of Arthur Bennett was postponed.
The board voted to initiate an independent investigation and freeze several suspicious transactions.
Richard was asked to surrender his company devices pending the investigation.
For the first time in twenty-five years, he had lost control of the room.
As the meeting ended, Daniel approached him.
Richard looked at the young man with open hatred.
"You think you've won?"
Daniel shook his head.
"No."
He looked toward the other directors.
"I think the truth has finally been given a chance to speak."
Richard leaned closer.
"Your father should have stayed silent."
Daniel's expression hardened.
"My father stayed silent for too long because people like you made him believe nobody would listen."
He paused.
"But I'm listening now."
The investigators escorted Richard from the room.
As he walked through the corridor, the man who had once commanded respect from everyone around him could no longer control even his own employees.
But Daniel knew the investigation was not finished.
There were still missing records, unanswered questions, and families waiting for justice.
And Richard Collins had not yet faced the consequences of everything he had done.
The events of the board meeting spread throughout the company before the end of the day.
Employees gathered in small groups, discussing the recording and the allegations against Richard Collins.
Some were shocked.
Others were not.
For years, people had suspected that something was wrong. They had noticed employees disappearing from important positions, financial decisions being made without explanation, and individuals who questioned management suddenly losing their jobs.
But nobody had been brave enough to speak.
Richard had created an environment where silence was rewarded and honesty was punished.
Now that silence was beginning to break.
At the hospital, Arthur watched the news report on television.
A reporter stood outside Bennett Development's headquarters.
"Today, the company's board announced an independent investigation into allegations of financial misconduct involving senior executives. Richard Collins has been temporarily removed from his executive responsibilities pending further review."
Arthur turned off the television.
Victoria sat beside him.
"It's finally happening, Dad."
Arthur nodded.
But he did not look happy.
Instead, he appeared exhausted.
Victoria noticed.
"What's wrong?"
Arthur looked toward the window.
"I spent twenty-five years believing that if I worked hard enough, I could repair what happened."
"Now you have a chance."
"Not everything can be repaired."
Victoria reached for his hand.
"You can still apologize."
Arthur looked at her.
"To Michael?"
"To his family. To Daniel. To everyone who suffered because of what you did."
Arthur lowered his head.
"I should have done it years ago."
Victoria remained quiet.
Then she said something he had not expected.
"Do you remember when I was a child and you took me to the construction site?"