The second son, Derrick, had average abilities. He wasn't good at starting new ventures but could at least manage the family business.
The third daughter, Karina, was Carter's child from his later years. She was about ten years younger than her two brothers. By the time she was born, the family business was already very successful. She was born wealthy, lived a life of luxury, and was educated in top business schools abroad. She had both great capability and ambition.
However, Carter, with his traditional views, had never considered passing the company to her. In his view, a girl, after all, could play with small businesses, but a family enterprise should be inherited by a son.
From this perspective, the Schmitt Group almost seemed to be inherited by the second son Derrick.
But the moment Karina found me, I knew things wouldn't be that simple.
"So, you want me to find evidence of Derrick's infidelity?" I asked Karina.
She nodded. "The father of Derrick's wife once saved Carter's life, so Carter values her even more than he does me, his own daughter. This is also why Derrick has always created the illusion of a harmonious family and a sweet marriage in front of him.
"Derrick is not particularly capable. He just seems steady and reliable, suitable for maintaining the status quo. If Carter finds out that even this one advantage is just a façade, I wonder if he'll still consider passing the company to him.
"I don't believe there are men who don't cheat. Your task is to find out who his mistress is and gather all the evidence."
Soon, I settled the details and payment plan with Karina.
I thought it would just be a routine job, something that could be quickly resolved. Just as Karina said, "Men, after all, can't help but cheat on their wives."
However, Derrick was not as simple as expected.
My team followed him for a long time and couldn't find any evidence of him being involved with other women. His every action and word were decent, and there wasn't a hint of fault to be found. The only women he interacted with were family members, business contacts, and staff in the Schmitt Group.
Other typical rich man habits, like frequenting nightclubs or keeping young female college students as their mistresses, were absent from Derrick's life.
From any angle, he seemed to be a model gentleman.