The Heir Apparent
By simmersunshine
Date: October 1, 2024
Ch. 5Suspicion


While at the office, Theodor reported to his father. He said that he had found several errors in the financial reports. Upon careful examination, many expenditures were needed to match the received reports. That raised suspicions of embezzlement within the company. That was the first time he had found such issues since becoming C.E.O. Theodor stated that he didn't want to suspect his uncle, but Elden insisted that the investigation must proceed.

"Maybe Uncle's secretary made mistakes in generating the reports."
"No, it's unlikely to be attributed to just one person a lot of them involved here. I'll ask Gibson and Yasmin," Elden replied.
"But, Dad, shouldn't we avoid suspecting our own family?" Theodor, still thinking positively, questioned.

Elden fell silent. Indeed, it didn't feel right to suspect one's own family. But, in business, anyone who makes mistakes must be held accountable. In other words, Elden didn't want to think like his son. He then left his office and went to Gibson's room.

Gibson, who was receiving an important client, was surprised by his brother's arrival. He got up and walked over to his brother, who was waiting at the door.

"Can we talk later? I have an important client."
"No. We need to talk now," Elden replied firmly.
"But, bro, this concerns the company."
Elden pushed Gibson aside to get a clear view. He firmly told Gibson that he had more important matters to discuss, and Gibson's guests finally left.

Gibson looked annoyed at Elden's power play. He sat down, crossed his arms, and frowned.

"Hey! Have you checked the financial reports for this quarter?"
"Of course, I have. Are you underestimating me now?" Gibson retorted.
"Tsk, you're arrogant. You said you've checked, but Theodor found so many errors in our financial data and database system," Elden accused.
"WHAT? Ah, maybe he didn't check properly."

Elden started getting frustrated with Gibson's attitude.

"Do I have to throw all those documents in your face?" Elden began to get angry.
"Bro, you know I would never let the company go bankrupt. How can I face Dad later? I've checked, and there's absolutely no mistake," Gibson's attempt at explanation.

Elden fell silent for a moment. His face was red with anger. Elden had a problem with his credibility. Without saying anything more, Elden left Gibson's room and met Yasmin. His younger sister was the head of finance in the company.

Yasmin happened to be free. So Elden could speak to her directly. When talking to Yasmin, Elden never raised his voice. He lowered his tone when speaking to his younger sister. After a long conversation, Elden didn't find any mistakes with Yasmin either. He looked even more puzzled now.

"Whose fault is that?" Elden wondered inwardly.

According to Theodor's investigation, Gibson's financial statements were problematic, so Elden was secretly at the end of an audit team without anyone's knowledge.

"Are you sure your favorite son isn't causing trouble?" Yasmin asked.
"Of course, I'm sure. And I trust my son," Elden replied.
"Blood ties don't necessarily prevent betrayal like strangers," Yasmin's bitter remark was aimed at Elden.

Elden tried not to be swayed by Yasmin's sharp sarcasm and provocation. Elden intended to test his son. Secretly, Elden formed an audit investigation team without anyone's knowledge. Only Gilbert knew about it, as Elden explained that he wanted to find out who was behind all this.

Theodor felt like he needed to be working to his maximum capacity. He tried to retrace the truth behind the reports he had received. He wanted to prove that such errors weren't caused by his uncle or aunt but by someone else. Theodor and his secretary began sorting through the documents they obtained from the finance department.

Naura resumed her training. Frisilia had been waiting at her house since 6 PM. However, Naura was a little late because her class was Postponed. Naura contacted Frisilia to inform her that she would arrive in about an hour. Frisilia sat waiting in the living room where they usually trained. The household assistant served Frisilia a cup of tea and some snacks. Jacob, who had just arrived, was surprised to see a stranger he had never met before.

"Wow, she's so beautiful. I need to get her phone number," Jacob immediately approached Frisilia, who was reading her book.

"Hey, gorgeous. Who are you waiting for?"
"Oh, hi. I'm waiting for Naura."
"Naura? For what?" Jacob asked curiously.

Naura had told Frisilia earlier not to disclose the reason for her visit to anyone who asked. They had agreed upon this. Frisilia hesitated and searched for an excuse. Finally, she said she was Naura's friend. Jacob couldn't believe it immediately because he knew Naura wouldn't be friends with someone older, especially a woman.

"Hmm, I know all of Naura's friends. Are you her new friend? Where did you two meet?"
"Uh... That..."

Shortly afterward, Theodor arrived. He saw that Naura's piano coach was in a somewhat difficult position. Only Theodor knew that the woman with his sister was Naura's new piano coach.

"Hey, what are you doing? Come with me," Theo said, pulling Jacob's sleeve.
"Hey, hey, wait! I'm chatting here, Bro. What are you doing?" Jacob protested.
"Stop asking questions!"

Theodor finally took Jacob with him. Frisilia felt relieved. She didn't have to make any more excuses to explain who she was. Frisilia glanced at her watch again. It was already 7:30 PM. She tried to call Naura again, but unfortunately, Naura's phone was off. Frisilia didn't know what to do now. To relieve her boredom, Frisilia walked over to the piano In front of her and began to play.

Hearing classical music playing, Theodor wondered if Naura was playing the piano so well. He came out of his room to see if it was Naura playing the piano so skillfully and melodiously. Theodor was surprised to see Naura's piano teacher playing the piano in his house. Instantly, his eyes were transfixed as he watched Frisilia start playing the piano excitedly.

"Wow, amazing," Theodor muttered unconsciously. Theo continued to watch Frisilia playing the piano. Time flew by unnoticed. It was already 9 PM, time for him to go home. Frisilia was surprised when she turned around and saw Theodor sitting and watching her.

"How long have you been there? Have you been watching me?" Frisilia asked.
"Don't get conceited. I'm here because I suspect you," Theodor replied.
"What? Suspect? What do you mean?" Frisilia began to glare sarcastically at Theodor.
"Yeah, who knows if some things went missing while you were here alone and not with Naura."
"Annoying man!" Frisilia grumbled angrily. Without saying much more, Frisilia left.

She felt offended by Theodor's words. She even left while cursing Theodor in her mind.



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