Then another thought struck her. Was Alexander's sudden departure really just because of a shareholders' meeting? Thinking back on Harold's relentless pressure at the summit and his strange decision to take in Raffy, Danielle felt a growing suspicion that the two events were connected. Perhaps Alexander had left because of Harold.
Once the idea took root, she couldn't shake it, and a headache began to throb in her temples. What was Harold trying to do?
She dialed Kirsten's number. "Kirsten, can you do me a favor and run a background check on Harold? The more detailed, the better. I need to know about his recent activities and any relationship he has with the Davidson family."
"Why the sudden interest? Is this about Raffy?" Kirsten asked.
"It's more than that," Danielle said. "I have a feeling there's a hidden motive behind him taking Raffy. And Alexander left so abruptly yesterday… I suspect Harold might have something to do with it. Can you see if he has some ulterior motive?"
"Alright, I'll have my people look into it right away," Kirsten agreed readily. "But you need to be careful. Harold is hard to read. Don't provoke him."
After hanging up, Danielle went to her desk and opened her laptop, but she was too distracted to work. She replayed her recent interactions with Harold in her mind: the partnership offer at the summit, the invitation to a private dinner, the pointed way he'd mentioned Alexander. Every detail seemed strange.
But as far as she knew, he had no business dealings with the Davidsons. Why would he suddenly involve himself in their family affairs?
Later that afternoon, Kirsten sent her an encrypted file. Danielle opened it immediately. It contained a detailed report on Harold's background, business strategies, and recent movements. She read it word for word, her frown deepening. The report showed that Harold's company, the Chapman Group, operated mainly in finance and real estate, sectors that barely competed with The Davidson Group's technology division. There had been no business conflicts between them in recent years. Aside from taking in Raffy, his recent activities were all standard business negotiations. There was nothing to suggest he held a grudge against the Davidsons or had any reason to target Alexander.


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