When she hung up, Valentina realized Richard was already beginning to suspect. That was good and bad at the same time. Good, because he would not be easy to fool. Bad, because he might also discover her plan before it was ready.
That afternoon, Alexander came home visibly frustrated.
“How did it go today?” Valentina asked.
“Your dad is being extremely cautious. He barely lets me see anything beyond the basics.”
“It’s his personality. He’s always been like that.”
“But how am I supposed to help if I don’t understand how the business works?”
“Give it time, Alexander. You’ve only been there two days.”
“Yes, but do you think your dad trusts me?”
“Of course he does. Why are you asking?”
“Today he asked me some strange questions about why I was so interested in the company’s numbers.”
Valentina masked her worry.
“What kind of questions?”
“He asked why I wanted to know the profits from the last few years. He said it wasn’t relevant to the work I was doing.”
“And what did you tell him?”
“That I wanted to understand the growth potential. But he didn’t seem convinced.”
“Alexander, relax. My dad is naturally suspicious. That’s how he’s protected the company all these years.”
“Yeah. Maybe you’re right.”
But Alexander did not look convinced. He looked worried, and Valentina knew his desperation was growing.
That night, Alexander’s phone rang. He answered immediately, voice tight.
“Hello.”
Valentina could not hear the other side, but she saw the color drain from his face.
“I know. Yes, I know the deadline is up. No, I still haven’t gotten it. I need a few more days.”
Alexander stepped out onto the balcony to finish the conversation. When he came back in, he was visibly rattled.
“Who was it?” Valentina asked.
“Nobody. Work issue.”
“But you’ve only been at this job for two days.”
“It’s an old client from the accounting office.”
Another lie.
“Alexander, are you okay? You look nervous.”
“I’m fine. Just tired.”
But he was not fine. He was terrified.
The next morning, Alexander left early, more nervous than ever.
“Valentina, will you talk to your dad today about the loan?”
“I will.”
“It’s important. Very important.”
“I understand.”
“And if he asks what the money is for, what do I tell him?”
“That it’s to clear all our debts and let us start a new life without financial worries.”
“Okay.”
As soon as he left, Valentina called Richard.
“Dad, he’s desperate.”
“How so?”
“He asked for another hundred thousand, and the deadline is Friday.”
“Friday? What deadline?”
“His creditors’ deadline. If he doesn’t pay by Friday, they’ll take drastic measures.”
“Valentina, this is getting very dangerous.”
“I know. That’s why I need to speed up the plan.”
“What plan?”
“I’m going to give him the money today, but on one condition.”
“What condition?”
“That he uses a power of attorney to transfer the money directly from the company account.”
“Valentina, that’s very risky.”
“It’s the only way to catch him red-handed. If he makes the transfer, we’ll have legal proof of attempted theft.”
Richard was quiet for a moment.
“And if he refuses?”
“He won’t. He’s too desperate.”
“All right. But I’m going to monitor everything in real time.”
“Perfect.”
Valentina called Alexander.
“Love, I talked to my dad about the loan. He agreed to lend us the money.”
Alexander let out an audible sigh of relief.
“Thank you, Valentina. You saved my life.”
