Patrick, cornered and furious, tried a different tactic. “You’ve never worked a day in this company! How can someone with no experience become president? It’s impossible!”
“You’re absolutely right,” I agreed. “I have no intention of becoming president. My sitting in this chair is just a symbolic message. In fact, a new president, elected by the board, is already carrying out their duties.”
He stood there, mouth agape, utterly defeated. He had been so sure I was after the presidency, he never saw the real plan.
“As I’ve said many times, my only goal is to honor my father and protect the company he built.”
Patrick trembled with rage, scoffed, and stormed out of the office.
That night, something unexpected happened. Sophia threw divorce papers at him, ending their marriage. His dismissal from the company was the final straw.
“Why are you turning away from me now?” he asked. “Because I’ve lost the title of president?”
“There’s no point in talking about betrayal,” Sophia replied, her voice firm. “You were the one who betrayed our relationship from the start. Your love was not for me, but for the title of the president’s daughter. You neglected our home, our son, and my sick father. Now, it’s time for you to face the consequences.”
Patrick was left with nothing. We later learned he had lost a significant amount of his inheritance to an investment scam. He was not only broke but in debt.
Meanwhile, my family found peace. I continued my work at the tutoring school, enjoying a quiet life with my mother. We took great joy in caring for my nephew, Randy, whose presence filled our home with happiness.
One day, Randy declared, “When I grow up, I’m going to be a president like Grandpa!”
His innocent words brought tears of emotion to my mother’s eyes.
“You might say that now,” I teased him gently, “but I wouldn’t be surprised if you want to become a teacher when you’re in college.”
The sound of our laughter filled the room. In that moment, surrounded by family, I realized we were truly living, finally enjoying the legacy my father had truly wanted for us: unity, peace, and love.
