CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Richard was waiting in his study when Daniel and Aisha arrived.
"The investigators have Robert's original statement," he explained. "But his lawyer now claims that he was referring to another business arrangement."
Aisha frowned.
"Can he just change his story whenever he wants?"
"He can dispute what he said," Richard replied. "That doesn't mean the evidence disappears."
Daniel examined the copies of the documents laid out on the desk.
"Then we need to make sure everything is properly verified."
Richard nodded.
"The investigators are doing that. Peter and Michael have both agreed to cooperate."
Aisha looked at the documents.
For a moment, she felt the old frustration returning. Every time they came close to an answer, another complication appeared.
"I just want my mother's name cleared," she said.
Richard looked at her with genuine regret.
"It should never have been damaged in the first place."
"No. It shouldn't."
He accepted her response without defending himself.
That afternoon, Aisha accompanied Grace to meet the detective. Grace provided a statement about the accusations and the threats she had received.
She spoke calmly, describing how the scandal had affected her life and why she had been afraid to challenge it at the time.
When the meeting ended, she appeared exhausted but relieved.
"I've spent years thinking about what I should have done differently," Grace told Aisha. "But I can't change the past. I can only tell the truth now."
Aisha hugged her.
"That's enough, Mum."
On the drive home, Grace looked out of the window.
"Your father would have been proud of you."
Aisha smiled sadly.
"I hope so."
That evening, Daniel visited Aisha. He found her sitting on the balcony, reading Samuel's letter again.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
"I'm tired of people changing their stories."
He sat beside her.
"Robert can dispute his statement, but he can't erase the documents. The investigators will have to examine everything."
Aisha leaned back.
"I know. I just wish justice didn't take so much patience."
Daniel took her hand.
"Then we'll be patient together."
She looked at him and smiled faintly.
"You keep saying things that make it difficult for me to remain annoyed with you."
"It's a talent."
"Don't let it get to your head."
He laughed, and she rested her head on his shoulder.
They stayed like that until the night grew quiet.
Their relationship was still new, and neither of them knew exactly what the future would bring.
But Aisha was learning that love wasn't a promise that life would never become difficult.
It was having someone willing to face the difficult parts honestly.