“And abandoned the people who trusted you.”
Richard looked away.
Alexander left the study with more questions than answers.
That afternoon, the company’s board called an emergency meeting. Margaret Hale had proposed removing Richard from the chairmanship, citing concerns about his judgment and the potential damage caused by Emily’s allegations.
She also proposed that Alexander be appointed acting chief executive.
The arrangement was suspiciously convenient.
If Alexander accepted the position, he would inherit responsibility for the company while Margaret retained influence over its finances.
He declined.
Instead, he requested an independent investigation and temporary restrictions on the transfer of company assets.
Margaret was furious.
“You are allowing a personal scandal to interfere with the future of this business,” she told him.
“No,” Alexander replied. “I’m preventing another scandal from being concealed.”
That evening, Victoria arrived at his apartment.
She looked exhausted.
“My mother says you’re trying to destroy us.”
“I’m trying to discover the truth.”
“She says if you continue, the company will lose its investors.”
“Then the investors deserve to know why.”
Victoria sat down.
“I didn’t know Eleanor was my biological mother until last year.”
Alexander studied her.
“What happened last year?”
“My mother became ill. She asked me to help organize her personal papers. I found letters from Eleanor, photographs, and a document naming me as her daughter.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I was afraid you’d see me as part of the deception.”
“Are you?”
Victoria began to cry.
“I don’t know anymore.”
Alexander sat opposite her.
“Did you know about the money?”
“No.”
“Did your mother ask you to marry me?”
Victoria hesitated.
“She encouraged the relationship. She said our families needed to rebuild their connection.”
“Did she tell you why?”
“No.”
Alexander looked at her for a long time.
