Chapter Sixty Three

Victor Knight had always known that the truth was hazardous, but he had never imagined that Margaret Carter would be the one to tell it.

Ryan's words filled the space as Emily observed him from beside Sophia's desk. Margaret had been held for questioning, and she named Victor as the person who could shed light on what transpired the night Emily's parents died.

Emily had been seeking answers for years but now that they were finally within her grasp, she was worried about what it would cost.

"We can't suppose that Margaret's accusation proves anything," Sophia said. "We need more evidence that connects Victor to what occurred that night," she added.

"My father's paperwork mentions payments and a security report. The transfer documents are in Margaret's possession. Thomas Reed knows the reason for his departure. How many more pieces do we need before we stop acting as if these are simply coincidences?" Ryan said as he closed the folder.

"Enough to establish what happened," Sophia responded. "Not sufficient to make a conjecture and proclaim it to be the truth."

Emily appreciated Sophia's caution, even if she felt frustrated. Every response appeared to unlock another door.

"Is it okay if we speak to Margaret?" "Emily inquired.

Sophia stated, "I will contact her legal counsel." "However, if investigators are questioning her about the transfers, anything she says right now may have an effect on her case."

Ryan looked toward the window. "She should have informed us years ago."

Emily turned and faced him. "She should have informed me, you mean?"

He couldn't deny it as he looked at her.

For a brief instant, Emily caught a peek of the regret concealed beneath his guarded demeanor. He wanted her to understand that he was doing his best to make things better. She hoped he would understand that no effort of his would be able to make up for the years he had thrown away or reverse the betrayal that had ruined their marriage.

Ryan spoke quietly, "I apologize, Emily."

She looked down at the folder. "I'm sure you are."

That wasn't forgiveness. Even though they didn't utter the words, they were both aware of it.

____

Damian was still in another area of Manhattan. He discovered that Victor had acted sooner than he had expected.

Two board members had pushed for an urgent assessment of his leadership. In light of concerns that sensitive material may have been accessed without authorization.

Damian had never been publicly accused of anything by Victor. He had only allowed mistrust to grow until the directors questioned his ability to protect the business from its own internal struggles.

Damian recognized the strategy for what it was. When he could persuade others to cause him damage, his uncle hardly ever hit directly.

Without bothering to knock, he entered Victor's office.

"You've been active," he said.

Victor remained seated on his seat. "Running a business requires attention, Damian. You of all people should understand that by now," he said.

"Someone used your office's credentials to examine documents regarding Emily's parents and my father."

Victor's expression remained virtually constant. "Perhaps you should investigate those who have access to my workplace, then."

"I intend to,” Damian said.

"Don't confuse suspicion with proof," Victor advised. "For years, you've been convinced your dad was framed. I understand. However, grief can lead a man to see adversaries everywhere."

Despite feeling his anger rise, Damian maintained a steady tone.

"My father passed away believing that those he had placed his faith in had turned against him. Now is the ideal moment to speak up if you know anything about what happened."

Victor stood up and went to the window.

"Your father made decisions that placed this family in danger." "You have never been prepared to believe that," he said.

"You've also been eager to point out his flaws," Damian replied.

"Because someone needs to remind you that the truth might not make you feel any better," Victor said as he changed his direction.

Damian gave his uncle a thorough inspection. He wanted to find anything to bring before the board, like a quick flicker of terror or a slip of the tongue, that would reveal Victor's identity. He was given nothing by Victor.

"What concerns you is what those documents may contain," Damian stated.

"What concerns me is what occurs when a CEO allows personal obsessions to jeopardize a whole business," Victor said.

Again, Emily was not mentioned by either of them. Victor knew she was important to him, and Damian realized it. But understood that Damian would no longer be convinced by his explanations.

Victor spoke once again just as Damian was about to leave.

"You may discover that the people you're attempting to defend have concealed more from you than I ever did if you continue this probe."

Without responding, Damian left.

He was accustomed to hearing enough warnings to recognize one when it appeared disguised as counsel.

___

Emily stood alone in Sophia's office that night as her friend planned to get information about Margaret's interrogation. Ryan had met the former Carter Holdings executive again, hoping to learn who had approved the payments.

Emily's phone held her phone in her hand. She desired to call Damian but refrained, remembering how uncomfortable their talk had been.

She desired him to have faith in her. Even if it meant sacrificing her dignity, and he needed to know she was still willing to stand up for them.

She finally decided to call him and Damian answered the phone as soon as it rang.

"Are you safe?" Damian asked.

Emily briefly closed her eyes. "Yes. I'm with Sophia."

"Good," Damian murmured. "I have been trying my best to find out what Victor is planning."

"So have we," she replied.

There was a stretch of quietness between them.

Emily wanted to tell him that she was afraid, that the baby made every threat appear more vivid, and that she wanted him to be at her side. Damian wished he could tell her he was worried of losing her before he had learned to stop questioning what they might become.

“Have you eaten yet?” he said instead.

Emily was on the verge of laughing. "You asked me that last time," she said.

Damian acknowledged, "I guess I need a better question."

"You do," Emily replied.

"I want to see you," Damian said.

Emily's heart tightened. "You can come when you're prepared to talk to me honestly," she said.

"Emily, I'm trying," he said.

"I understand. However, trying cannot be something you only do when you are afraid of losing me," she replied and ended the call before he could respond.

Emily stood there motionlessly, wishing she had spoken more gently.

A vehicle parked outside Sophia's workplace at the curb. A man got out and entered the building and asked the receptionist for Emily Carter. Her face was pale as Sophia entered the room once again. "Emily, there's someone here to see you," Sophia announced. "Who?" Emily asked.

Sophia hesitated for a while before she finally said, "Thomas Reed.”

Emily stood up so quickly that her chair scraped the floor.

Thomas disappeared before her parents passed away, and now he is back after these long years, with a document which had her name written boldly on the front.