Chapter 10 – Chapter 10 – The Children Who Lost Their Scholarships

Alexander contacted former scholarship recipients and learned what the missing money had meant. Some had taken extra jobs. Others had borrowed money or abandoned plans to attend college. One young man had left school to support his younger siblings.

Richard joined Alexander at a community center where several former recipients had gathered. He feared they would blame him, but many remembered his kindness. He apologized for failing to protect the fund.

Alexander spoke honestly. He admitted that he had benefited from the family’s wealth without checking whether the trust was being used as intended. He promised to restore the fund under independent management, with public records and no family member controlling the payments alone.

A student named Marcus asked whether the help would really reach him. Alexander said the independent board would decide, and the rules would be visible to everyone.

Meanwhile, investigators confirmed that the authorization signature was forged. Vanessa was asked to attend a formal interview. Her attorney advised her not to answer questions until the evidence was reviewed.

Vanessa returned to the mansion and told Alexander she was leaving for a few days. He asked whether she had forged Richard’s signature. She replied that she had done what she believed necessary to protect their life.

Alexander answered that he had never asked her to steal from his father.

After she left, Richard reminded him that guilt alone did not repair harm. The missing money had to be recovered, the scholarship fund restored, and the people affected given honest answers.