Chapter 11 - Arthur Realizes His Entire Wealth Was Built On Betrayal
With Richard in custody and the panicked guests escorted outside, the dining room fell into a heavy, solemn quiet.
Arthur sat alone at the massive mahogany table, staring down at his trembling hands resting beside the weathered ledger.
“Everything I thought I built... everything I worked for... was built on a foundation of stolen blood,” Arthur whispered brokenly.
Caleb walked over slowly, standing beside the old man who had unknowingly lived a lie for four decades.
“My grandfather spent his final years in a cold room, praying someone would eventually uncover the truth,” Caleb said softly.
Arthur looked up, tears streaming down his wrinkled face as he met the steady gaze of the veteran.
“I was blind, Caleb... Richard convinced me they abandoned the company to save themselves during the financial crash,” Arthur confessed.
“Greed has a way of making men believe whatever convenient lies keep them in power,” Caleb replied without malice.
“What happens to me now? Do I face federal prison alongside Richard?” Arthur asked, his voice shaking with resignation.
May you like
“You’re an old man who was manipulated by a monster, Arthur... but restitution must still be paid in full,” Caleb noted.
***
Related Stories
