Chapter 7 - THE FAMILY DINNER
Richard invited Arthur to dinner that evening.
Arthur accepted.
Daniel warned him not to go alone.
So Arthur brought the detective.
They entered the restaurant separately.
Richard was already seated.
He looked relaxed.
"Arthur," he said warmly. "I heard you've been having trouble at home."
Arthur sat.
"You know about the trust."
Richard smiled.
"I know about everything."
"Then tell me who is behind it."
Richard poured himself water.
"You're asking the wrong question."
"What should I ask?"
"Why did your father create the trust in the first place?"
Arthur leaned forward.
"To protect my son."
"No."
Richard's smile disappeared.
"To protect you."
Arthur stared.
Richard explained that Arthur's father had discovered the company was being used to conceal debts and illegal transactions.
"The trust was a shield," Richard said. "If the company collapsed, your son's inheritance would remain untouched."
"Then why steal it?"
Richard sighed.
"Because someone wants to force the company into bankruptcy."
"Who?"
Richard looked toward the restaurant entrance.
Elena walked in.
Arthur's jaw tightened.
"What is she doing here?"
Richard smiled.
"She wanted to tell you the truth."
Elena approached slowly.
"I didn't betray you for money."
Arthur laughed bitterly.
"You tried to drain our son's trust."
"I was trying to stop Victor."
"Victor is dead."
"I know."
"Then who are you protecting?"
Elena sat down.
"Your uncle."
Richard's face changed.
Arthur turned toward him.
Elena continued.
"Richard was working with Victor. When I discovered it, they threatened me."
Richard stood.
"She's lying."
The detective appeared behind him.
"Sit down, Mr. Vance."
Richard obeyed.
Elena pulled a small flash drive from her purse.
"This contains everything."
Arthur took it.
But before he could examine it, the restaurant lights flickered.
A loud crash came from the kitchen.
People screamed.
Someone had triggered the fire alarm.
In the confusion, Richard disappeared.
Arthur chased him into the alley.
Richard stopped beside a waiting car.
"Arthur, listen to me!"
"You used my son."
"No. I protected him."
"From what?"
Richard's face filled with fear.
"From the person who really controls everything."
"Who?"
Richard looked behind Arthur.
Arthur turned.
Elena stood there.
She was holding the flash drive.
And she was crying.
May you like
"Arthur," she whispered, "I lied to you about one more thing."
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