"Alone?"
"With Mrs. Bennett."
Martin immediately left the stage.
He walked quickly toward the entrance.
When he arrived, he saw Arthur and Eleanor standing near the security desk.
Victor was speaking nervously.
"Mr. Bennett, I sincerely apologize."
Arthur shook his head.
"Don't worry about it."
"But the invitation—"
"It was a mistake."
Victor looked relieved.
Arthur added, "Not yours."
Victor's relief vanished.
Arthur continued.
"You were following instructions."
Martin reached them.
"Mr. Bennett!"
Arthur turned.
Martin hurried forward.
"I'm so sorry."
Arthur smiled.
"Good evening, Martin."
Martin shook his hand with both of his.
"We were expecting you."
"I gathered that."
Martin glanced at Victor.
His expression became cold.
"Is there a problem?"
Arthur looked at him.
"No problem."
Victor looked relieved again.
Martin wasn't convinced.
"What happened?"
Arthur answered calmly.
"The security team thought our invitation was incomplete."
Martin's face turned red.
He looked at Victor.
"You refused Mr. and Mrs. Bennett entry?"
Victor swallowed.
"I was following protocol."
Martin's voice became sharp.
"You were following the wrong protocol."
Arthur interrupted.
"Martin."
The executive director stopped.
Arthur smiled.
"He's doing his job."
Martin looked embarrassed.
"Of course."
Eleanor watched him carefully.
There was something she didn't like.
Arthur noticed.
He leaned toward her.
"What's wrong?"
She whispered.
"Something feels strange."
Arthur looked at her.
"About what?"
"Everything."
He smiled.
"That's why we're here."
They entered the ballroom.
The room went strangely quiet.
Not completely.
But enough.
People began whispering.
"Is that Arthur Bennett?"
"I thought he stopped attending."
"That's his wife."
"Why are they dressed like that?"
"Did they come alone?"
Martin stepped onto the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?"
The room quieted.
Martin smiled.
"Tonight is a celebration of generosity, service, and the belief that wealth means very little unless it is used to change lives."
Polite applause followed.
Arthur and Eleanor sat at a table near the back.
Not the head table.
Not the VIP section.
Eleanor looked around.
"Interesting."
Arthur smiled.
"What?"
"Your foundation put you in the back."
Arthur chuckled.
"I don't own the chairs."
She gave him a look.
"You know what I mean."
"I do."
On stage, Martin continued.
"This year, the Bellmont Foundation has committed over forty million dollars to education, housing, medical research, and community development."
The guests applauded.
Arthur listened carefully.
Forty million.
He glanced at Eleanor.
She noticed.
"You're thinking about the numbers."
"Always."
She smiled.
"That's what worries me."
"Why?"
"Because you only look like that when something doesn't add up."
Arthur didn't answer.
Instead, he took the program from the table.
He scanned the list of initiatives.
Education.
Housing.
Healthcare.
Youth programs.
Community redevelopment.
Everything looked impressive.
But one item caught his attention.
North Bellmont Renewal Project — $8.2 Million
Arthur's expression hardened.
Eleanor noticed immediately.
"What is it?"
He showed her.
She read the line.
"North Bellmont."
"Yes."
"Didn't we reject that proposal?"
"Twice."
"Why?"
Arthur lowered his voice.
"Because the plan was to demolish three hundred affordable housing units."
Eleanor's eyes narrowed.
"And replace them with luxury apartments."
Arthur nodded.
"Exactly."
She looked toward the stage.
"Then why is it here?"
"I don't know."
Martin finished his speech.
The orchestra began another song.
Dinner was served.
But Arthur barely touched his food.
He watched Martin.
He watched the board members.
He watched the people seated around the VIP table.
Then he noticed someone.
A man in a gray suit.
Late forties.
Sitting three tables away.
Arthur recognized him.
"That's Daniel Price."
Eleanor looked.
"Who?"
"Former financial director."
"I thought he left."
"He did."
"Then why is he here?"
Arthur didn't answer.
Because Daniel Price was staring directly at him.
And there was fear in his eyes.
After dinner, Arthur stood.
"I need to speak with him."
Eleanor grabbed his sleeve.
"Arthur."
"What?"
"Don't."
He looked at her.
"Why?"
"Because he looks terrified."
Arthur nodded.
"That's exactly why I need to."
He walked toward Daniel.
But before he reached him, Daniel stood abruptly.
He walked toward the exit.
Arthur followed.
They reached a quiet corridor.
"Daniel."
Daniel stopped.
He turned.
"Mr. Bennett."
Arthur approached.
"What are you doing here?"
Daniel looked around.
"I shouldn't be."
"Why?"
Daniel's face was pale.
"Because they know I kept copies."
"Copies of what?"
Daniel swallowed.
"The accounts."
Arthur became still.
"What accounts?"
Daniel leaned closer.
"The foundation's accounts."
Arthur's eyes narrowed.
"What about them?"
Daniel whispered.
"The money isn't going where the board says it's going."
Arthur stared at him.
"How much?"
Daniel shook his head.
"I don't know the total."
"Estimate."
"Millions."
Arthur's expression changed.
"Where?"
Daniel looked toward the ballroom.
"Private companies."
"Which companies?"
"I can't tell you here."
"Then where?"
Daniel reached into his jacket.
He pulled out a small flash drive.
He handed it to Arthur.
"Everything is on this."
Arthur took it.
Daniel's hands were shaking.
"Mr. Bennett, please understand."
"Understand what?"
"I tried to tell them."
"Who?"
"Martin."
Arthur's eyes sharpened.