The company immediately referred the matter to its legal advisers.
Charles attempted to negotiate privately.
But Richard refused.
"This is no longer a personal disagreement," he told him. "You abused a position of trust and caused damage that cannot simply be erased."
Charles was eventually dismissed following the investigation.
The company began reviewing its historical records and implementing new internal controls.
Richard also contacted a legal team to ensure that Victoria's identity and family rights were properly documented.
He did not want his daughter to become the subject of rumors or financial disputes.
For the first time in decades, he was prepared to place family before business.
CHAPTER 12: THE WOMAN WHO NEVER STOPPED WAITING
A week later, Richard visited Eleanor's grave.
Victoria accompanied him.
The cemetery was quiet.
A gentle wind moved through the trees, and sunlight fell across the rows of memorial stones.
Richard carried a bouquet of white flowers.
He knelt beside the grave.
For a long time, he said nothing.
Then he placed the flowers down.
"Eleanor, I'm sorry."
His voice broke.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there."
Victoria stood beside him.
Richard continued.
"I didn't know about our daughter. I didn't know you were waiting. I didn't know you were struggling."
He lowered his head.
"I wish I had found you sooner."
Victoria gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"My mother never hated you."
Richard looked up.
"How can you be sure?"
"Because she never stopped keeping your photograph."
He closed his eyes.
Victoria continued.
"She wanted me to find you. She wanted me to know where I came from."
Richard looked at the grave.
"Then I promise I'll take care of her."
Victoria smiled through her tears.
"She would have wanted that."
CHAPTER 13: THE PRIVATE JET
Several weeks later, Richard invited Victoria to the airport again.
This time, nobody stopped her.
The security staff greeted her respectfully.
The hangar doors opened.
The same white aircraft stood beneath the afternoon light.
Its name was visible near the entrance.
ELENA.
Richard walked beside his daughter.
"Would you like to see inside?"
Victoria nodded.
They climbed the steps.
The interior was elegant but understated.
Cream-colored leather seats lined the cabin.
Small photographs were displayed near the entrance.
Victoria stopped when she saw one.
It was the same photograph she had found in her mother's album.
A young Eleanor stood beside Richard.
He smiled.
"She loved this aircraft."
Victoria touched the photograph.
"She told me about the first time she flew in it."
Richard nodded.
"She was terrified."
Victoria laughed.
"She never mentioned that."
"She pretended to be brave. But every time we hit turbulence, she grabbed my arm."
They both laughed.