Chapter 48 — The Secret Charles Kept

 

Adrian couldn't take his eyes off Richard's handwritten note.

The man who gave me the original medical report was Charles Whitmore.

Charles had already confessed to his involvement in the foundation's financial scandal. But now another question hademerged.

Why had he been involved in Isabella's private medical affairs?

Evelyn stood beside Adrian.

“Do you think Charles knew about your mother's condition?”

“He must have known something. Otherwise, why would my father mention him?”

Daniel entered the study carrying his laptop.

“I've contacted Charles. He agreed to meet us tomorrow, but he insists that the medical report has nothing to do with thefoundation.”

Adrian's expression hardened.

“Then he can explain why his name appears in my father's letter.”

The following morning, Charles arrived at Blackwood Manor.

He looked uncomfortable when Adrian placed the handwritten note before him.

“You gave my father the original medical report?”

Charles studied the paper.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Charles sighed and sat down.

“Because Isabella asked me to deliver it. I was handling confidential correspondence between the family physician andthe Blackwood household.”

Adrian leaned forward.

“What did you know about my mother's condition?”

“Your mother had a family history of heart disease. The physician wanted her to undergo further examinations, but sherefused to let the information become part of the family's business discussions.”

Evelyn frowned.

“Why would it matter to the business?”

Charles looked at Adrian.

“Your father was negotiating several major partnerships. Some investors were concerned about the future of theBlackwood family. Richard feared that any medical information could be used against you.”

Adrian shook his head.

“So he concealed it from me?”

“He believed he was protecting you.”

“That's what everyone keeps saying,” Adrian replied bitterly. “Yet nobody seems to understand that hiding the truth canhurt someone more than the truth itself.”

Charles lowered his eyes.

“You're right.”

Daniel placed a document on the table.

“We also need to discuss the financial transactions. Your company received payments from the charitable foundation.”

Charles nodded.

“I've already agreed to cooperate with the investigation.”

“Then explain this particular transfer.”

Daniel showed him a bank record.

Charles studied it before speaking.

“That payment was made to cover medical expenses for Isabella's treatment.”

Adrian looked surprised.

“My mother was receiving treatment?”

“Yes. She had several consultations and examinations. Richard didn't want the details disclosed publicly.”

“Were the payments authorized by the foundation?”

Charles hesitated.

“No. They should have been paid privately by the family.”

Daniel closed the folder.

“Then the investigation will need to determine whether those transactions were improperly charged to the foundation.”

Charles nodded.

“I understand.”

Adrian stood and walked toward the window.

His mother had spent years protecting the foundation, yet money intended for children and struggling families had beenused for private expenses.

Even if the amount had been small compared with the missing millions, it was still wrong.

“Did my mother know about the payments?” he asked.

“Yes,” Charles answered. “She discovered them and demanded that Richard repay the foundation.”

“Did he?”

“Eventually, he returned some of the money. But not all of it.”

Daniel immediately made a note.

“Then we'll include that in the audit.”

After Charles left, Evelyn found Adrian sitting alone in the garden.

He was holding the old photograph of Isabella.

“She looks happy here,” Evelyn said.

Adrian smiled faintly.

“She was. My mother loved simple things. Gardening, painting, and spending time with children.”

“Then perhaps that's what we should remember most about her.”

He looked at Evelyn.

“I don't want her legacy to become another family scandal.”

“It won't, as long as we protect what she believed in.”

Adrian reached for her hand.

“I've arranged an appointment with a specialist. I want to understand the medical report properly.”

Evelyn smiled.

“That's a good decision.”

“I don't want you worrying.”

“I'll worry sometimes. That's part of caring about someone. But I won't let fear control our lives.”

He gently kissed her hand.

“Thank you for staying beside me.”

“I'm here because I choose to be, Adrian. Not because I have to be.”

A week later, Adrian completed his medical consultation.

The physician explained that the old report indicated a possible hereditary risk, but it did not establish that Adrian had thecondition.

Further testing would be necessary, and the doctor recommended regular monitoring.

Adrian accepted the advice.

When he returned home, he found Evelyn waiting in the garden.

“How did it go?” she asked.

“The doctor wants additional tests. There's no confirmed diagnosis.”

Evelyn nodded.

“Then we'll follow the doctor's advice.”

Adrian smiled.

“I was afraid you'd look at me differently.”

She stepped closer.

“Adrian, I didn't fall in love with your medical records or your family name.”

He laughed softly.

For the first time in days, some of the tension left his shoulders.

Meanwhile, Daniel completed the first stage of the charitable foundation's financial audit.

He discovered that several transfers had been made through accounts connected to Helen Morris and the Hale family.

Some payments had been authorized under Richard's instructions, while others appeared to have been made without proper approval.

The audit also confirmed that the foundation had been used to cover certain private expenses.

Daniel presented the findings to Adrian and Evelyn.

“We have enough evidence to request formal recovery proceedings for the unauthorized transfers. However, the full investigation will take time.”

Adrian nodded.

“Proceed.”

Evelyn studied the report.

“What happens to the original foundation?”

“Once its legal structure is restored, an independent board can oversee its operations. Eleanor Whitmore has agreed to assist with the transition.”

“Then I want the original purpose written clearly into its charter,” Evelyn said. “Education, arts, and opportunities for children. No private business arrangements.”

Daniel smiled.

“I believe Isabella would have wanted exactly that.”

That evening, Adrian received an unexpected package.

There was no return address.

Inside was a small notebook belonging to his mother.

He opened it carefully.

Most of the pages contained notes about the charitable foundation, but one entry caught his attention.

Richard continues to believe that protecting Adrian means deciding everything for him. I hope he understands one day that our son deserves the freedom to choose his own future.

Adrian turned another page.

There was a short paragraph written beneath a date from several years earlier.

I met Margaret today. She told me Evelyn has begun painting again. I hope the little girl who once filled our school with colors never loses that light.

Evelyn smiled when she read it.

“She remembered me.”

Adrian nodded.

“She remembered everyone who mattered to her.”

Then another folded paper slipped from the notebook.

It was a letter addressed to Richard.

If you truly want to make things right, tell Adrian about the promise you made to Margaret. She deserves to know why you kept her away from the foundation.

Evelyn looked up.

“What promise?”

Adrian turned the page.

But the remaining lines had been torn away.

He searched the notebook, hoping to find another copy.

There was nothing.

Then his phone rang.

Daniel's voice sounded urgent.

“Adrian, I've just received a message from Charles. He wants to meet again. He says he has finally remembered the promise your father made to Margaret.”

Adrian looked at Evelyn.

“What did he say exactly?”

Daniel paused.

“He claims Richard promised that Margaret's daughter would one day inherit something far more important than the Blackwood fortune.”

Evelyn felt her heart race.

“What could that possibly mean?”

Neither Adrian nor Daniel had an answer.