Some matters proceeded through civil legal channels, while others were referred to the appropriate authorities.
Arthur didn’t celebrate.
He knew that the collapse of Michael’s business would affect employees and people who had never been involved in the scheme.
But he also refused to protect Michael from the consequences of his own decisions.
The man who had once called Arthur his brother had attempted to use their friendship as a path to his wealth.
Now that friendship was over.
One evening, Michael called Arthur.
“You’ve destroyed everything I’ve built.”
Arthur stood by the window of his study, looking out at the garden Margaret had loved.
“No, Michael. You built your future around a plan that depended on deceiving people.”
“You could have helped me.”
“I helped you for years. You chose to demand more.”
Michael’s voice rose.
“She’s my daughter!”
“And she is responsible for her own decisions. So are you.”
