After making the arrangements, Howard returned to the Callahans' villa. "Father," he said, "I've concluded the investigation. Substandard and fake medicine was indeed found at Eternality Hospital. Thea was responsible. She held Yosef Zaborowski, the medicine handler, hostage and forced him to substitute the genuine medicine with fakes, pocketing the profits."
Howard carefully chose his words as he addressed Lex. He was reluctant, but he would never allow Thea to control the Callahans' businesses. His son, Tommy, had merely sought to cause trouble for Thea; Howard had simply gone along with it.
"I've also discovered that the men causing the commotion outside Eternality Hospital today were from the Hills family. They've long conspired to embezzle company funds while maintaining their positions of power."
Lex slammed the table. Howard's heart leaped. If Lex discovered their culpability, they'd be in serious trouble. However, there was no turning back. "Father," Howard said, "you can question Yosef at the company tomorrow."
The next day, Thea arrived early. James instructed her to investigate the fake medicine, with Yosef, a long-time employee, in charge of Eternality Hospital's medicine. She summoned Yosef.
"Chairman, I understand you wanted to see me," Yosef said, bowing humbly.
"Yosef, you handle Eternality Hospital's medical supplies. Investigate any substandard or unqualified medicines," Thea instructed.
Yosef scanned the room, then whispered to Thea, "What's happening, Ms. Thea? Have we been exposed?"
Thea frowned. "What do you mean?"
Yosef knelt. "Ms. Thea, I retire in a year. I don't want to do this anymore. Please let me retire peacefully." He wept.
"What nonsense is this?" Thea exclaimed. "Yosef, investigate the fake medicine at Eternality Hospital. Find out how it got there. Do it quickly."
The door burst open. Lex entered with Howard, John, and other high-ranking officials. "Grandpa, why are you here?" Thea asked, rising.
Lex, his expression grim, retorted, "Eternality would have been ruined if I hadn't arrived. Thea, you've overstepped. Using substandard and fake medicine is a serious crime! You nearly destroyed Eternality's decades-long reputation."
Thea was speechless.
"Grandpa, I—I wasn't the one," she stammered.
Yosef crawled to Lex, sobbing, "She forced me! She threatened to fire me if I didn't follow her orders. I'm nearing retirement; dismissal means no pension. How would I feed my family?"
Thea's face paled. "Y-Yosef, what do you mean?"
Yosef produced a card. "Ms. Thea, I'm returning the hundred thousand dollars you gave me. I've worked for twenty years, and this is the worst thing I've ever done. Sir, I don't deserve to stay. Please don't blame Thea. She's competent but easily misled. Please give her another chance."
"Yosef, what are you talking about?" Thea demanded, her voice trembling with rage.
"Ms. Thea, I warned you about using fake medicine. You assured me nothing would happen and threatened me. I was coerced. How foolish I was…"
At that moment, Thea understood.