I stood in front of the grave of my father, who was the CEO of a large company. After his passing, my brother-in-law, Patrick, took over. He inherited the company and a whopping $500 million, while I was left with an old pickup truck. Patrick, flaunting his wealth, said sarcastically: “I own the company and all the real estate in my hands.”
That truck suited him very well. But for me, it was more than just a vehicle. I looked at it closely, and when I started the engine, I saw that a destination was displayed on the navigation system.
“What is this?” I thought. I started driving, both firmly and gently. Hello everyone, my name is Frank, I am 45 years old.
Now, I am standing in front of a large coffin, where my father rests. My relationship with him has always been complicated. He started a construction company from scratch, but I chose a different path.
I left home to become a teacher right after graduating from college, fulfilling my childhood dream. This decision caused many heated arguments, and for a long time we hardly spoke to each other. Despite our differences, I never hated my father.
I had my own dreams to pursue, and I couldn’t give them up to take over the family business, even though I felt a great responsibility as the eldest son. I was burdened by guilt for not living up to my father’s expectations. This guilt prevented me from visiting my parents’ house.
My mother asked my sister Sophia to update my father on my life situation. Sophia and her husband often sent expensive gifts or arranged trips on my father’s birthday or anniversary, pretending that they were from me. Every time, Sophia would encourage me by saying, “I wish mom and dad could talk to each other honestly.”
Just try to be strong. Deep down, he must be very lonely. I often thought about what Sophia said and just shook my head.
But one day, I received the sad news that my dad had cancer. After hearing the news, I quickly quit my job and returned home. I realized that what was really important was life, and the previous arguments with my dad seemed meaningless.
I decided to return to the village, teach at a local school, and take care of my sick dad. At first, my dad was surprised to see me back, but he eventually accepted it quietly. I didn’t say much either.
I just stayed by his side to take care of him, helping him whenever he needed it. He gently thanked me, and those words brought me peace. Sadly, my father’s fight against illness has come to an end.
The last chapter of his life ended quietly, with Sophia, our mother, and me by his side. We couldn’t know what he was thinking in his final moments, but we hoped his soul was at peace. Although we hoped so, losing him affected us all deeply…
My mother, Sophia, and even my nephew Randy were very sad and cried. The only one who didn’t show any emotion was my brother-in-law, Patrick. During the funeral arrangements, he coldly asked, “Is he finally dead?” Hearing that, I was proud of myself for staying calm and not reacting angrily toward Patrick.
Instead, I focused on planning my father’s funeral. This kept me busy and helped distract me from my grief. I ignored Patrick’s harsh words and made sure everything went smoothly.
Patrick and I never got along, and our relationship only worsened over time. But despite everything, I remained focused during those difficult times. I met Patrick when he was a skilled laborer in my father’s company, and I truly respected his skills.
I felt like I had gained a real brother when Patrick married my sister, Sophia. He was five years older than me and seemed like a role model. Before Patrick and Sophia were married, I often asked him for advice on various problems, and he always listened with understanding.
One of our big arguments was about whether I should join the family business. Patrick said, “You should live your own life, Frank. You have your own path.”
No one knows what life choices are the best, so the most important thing is to make decisions you won’t regret later. Encouraged by his words, I transferred from business school, where I was studying management, to the College of Education, where I really wanted to study. Eventually, Patrick and Sophia married and began their life together.
Twenty-two years have passed since then, and the distance between my father and me has widened. I moved on with my life, missing the opportunity to bridge that gap. But when I learned of my father’s illness, I dropped everything and rushed home.
Patrick, who had previously greeted me warmly, had changed. Now he seemed uncomfortable around me. When we were alone, Patrick would say coldly, “You came back quickly when you heard he was sick, right? But no matter what happens, you won’t inherit anything.”
His words took me by surprise, and I struggled to respond. “What do you mean? Don’t act ignorant. It may be a coincidence, but even if you want to run the company now, the next leader has already been decided,” Patrick said harshly.
His words shocked me, and I responded more loudly than I intended. “No, it’s not that. I didn’t come back for the company.”
I realized I hadn’t been a good son and wanted to apologize to Dad, even if it was too late. Patrick fired me. I don’t need your fancy words…
It sounds like something out of a soap opera. Sophia likes that kind of thing. But were all those gifts you sent him just a way to look good? That’s not true at all, I tried to explain, but Patrick had already made up his mind and didn’t want to believe me.
His words also seemed like a slight to Sophia, and for the first time, I felt a deep divide between us. Since that incident, I began to feel very annoyed with Patrick. He began to openly mock me.
No matter how hard you try to convince him, that time is over. Don’t make me laugh. Go back where you belong and take care of your troubled students, he said.
At first, I thought a lot about how others saw me and how they viewed me, but Patrick’s words showed that he was more concerned with himself than with our father. His behavior often seemed disrespectful to both his father-in-law and his wife, Sophia. I began to believe that Patrick had married Sophia primarily to get closer to my father’s company and fortune.
He rarely visited my father when he was sick and didn’t help care for him. Now, all he could do was work as hard as he could to protect the company my father had built. Patrick always sounded polite, but in reality, he just wanted to avoid trouble.
On weekends, he would go golfing, claiming it was for business. He rarely cared for his own son. He said he wanted him to learn many skills so he could eventually take over the business, but he left the driving and housework to Sophia.
When Sophia seemed a little dissatisfied with this, Patrick would passionately take her hand and say, “I’m giving it my all for him. Now is the time to get results no matter what. Let’s overcome this test together.”
Sophia had a hard time confronting him and usually nodded, even though she seemed reluctant. Patrick acted like the perfect husband in front of Sophia, so it’s no wonder she believed him. He shed his true self for me, probably because he believed I was like him.
Over time, I grew accustomed to Patrick’s teasing, and it didn’t bother me as much. However, when our beloved father passed away, I was heartbroken. I felt a deep sadness and a great emptiness.
Although Patrick seemed concerned about our father’s worsening health, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he had been waiting for this moment. This thought saddened and angered me greatly. After our father’s death, Patrick inherited most of his vast fortune.
Although he was only a son-in-law, he had the same rights to the inheritance as Sophia and me, according to my father’s will. He received the majority of the company’s shares and a large fortune. This unexpected turn of events left me speechless.
Even though I was my father’s biological daughter, I thought the inheritance would be divided equally among the three of us. But instead, Patrick got almost everything. I only got an old pickup truck that my father adored…
In public, Patrick seemed surprised, but when I was alone with him, he laughed softly and said, “You came all the way from the city to this town, took care of Dad day and night, and all you’re left with is this pickup truck, huh? What an ironic ending. Now the company is mine, and all you’re left with is this pickup truck as your inheritance.” It’s like a comedy.
When he left the room with a mocking smile, I felt empty inside, gripping the pickup keys tightly. The cold metal made me face the harsh reality. But my family tried to cheer me up.
Keep your head up. Dad had his reasons. He didn’t want to upset you.
Dad always loved that pickup truck. It was his favorite vehicle. He definitely cared about you.
Despite his kind words, it hurt too much to respond. I knew that inheritance doesn’t measure a father’s love, but the fact that Patrick, who seemed to be waiting for my father’s death, kept almost everything was deeply insulting. It wasn’t about the money.
It was the pain of seeing my father’s hard work in the hands of such a man. I felt powerless to change the situation. Turning the key to the truck, I decided to take charge of the minivan, the only thing my father left me.
It seemed to have a deeper meaning. I hoped cleaning the truck would help me sort out my feelings. I washed the truck thoroughly with a hose and then sat behind the wheel, where my father used to sit.
As I started the engine, I noticed something unusual about the navigation system. It displayed a single, thick blue route instead of just my location. How odd.
Why is there a defined destination in the navigation system? I thought. This usually only happens when following a specific route. When I checked the destination on the screen, it only showed coordinates, not a specific location.
It would take about an hour to drive. Since I wanted to take the truck for a spin, I didn’t give it much thought. I put it in first gear and left the house.
An hour later, during a pleasant drive, I arrived at what looked like a house. It was a surprise. In front of me was a small, modest house, very different from the larger houses in my town.
It felt warm and cozy. The area was quiet, and I couldn’t see or hear anyone else. I got out of the truck and stood in front of the house, a little confused.
There were no signs indicating what this place was, but it seemed my navigation system had brought me there for some reason. With some hesitation, I rang the doorbell. As the door slowly opened, the person I saw was the last person I expected: my mom.
I’ve been waiting, Frank. “Come in, honey,” she said. “What are you doing here, Mom? And how did this place get set up on Dad’s navigation system?” I asked.
“I’ll explain everything, but first, come in and relax,” she replied. I followed her inside and found the interior simple but cozy, with only the essentials. My mom made some tea and began to explain in a calm voice…
Actually, this was your dad’s secret hideout. A hideout? I’d never heard of Dad having a place like that, I said in surprise. She explained that this is our hideout.
We came here when we needed our own space or when we wanted peace and quiet. If we ever had a minor argument, our rule was to come here and cool off. You didn’t know that, did you? I was stunned, deep in thought.
I had no idea such a family rule existed. She continued, “And this, this is something your father wanted you to have.” With that, she handed me a brown envelope.
It was slightly bulging, as if it contained something important. I decided to read the letter addressed to me. Frank, I have caused you so much trouble and made you endure unbearable hardships over the years.
I am truly sorry. The letter was full of my father’s reflections on his past mistakes and his deep gratitude toward me. He wrote, “Your mother often tells me that it was your decision to leave home, and that a child has the right to choose his own path in life.”
We’re both stubborn, but when you returned after my illness, it was a pleasant surprise. Although I couldn’t express it well because I’m not good at expressing my feelings, I’m deeply grateful for your support and care for the family. It was the first time I heard such sincere words from my father, and it touched me deeply.
The letter also mentioned Patrick. To tell the truth, my anxiety toward Patrick increased over time. He’s very articulate and puts people at ease, but I could see his true nature.
I suspected his furtive behavior around the house was his way of trying to take over the house. I was too tired of work and caring for them to notice his tricks. But now, knowing Patrick as I do, I believe my suspicions were true.
The letter continued: “I have no intention of transferring the company to you, but if something unexpected happens, I have left a considerable amount of money to your mother. This is to ensure that you and Sophia do not go without.”
Please accept it. After finishing the letter, I looked at my mother. She said nothing, just stared at the brown envelope.
I reached for it and reviewed its contents, confirming that everything was in my mother’s name. She began to speak firmly: “If I transfer the accounts to yours and Sophia’s, it would be considered a gift under tax laws.”
If it’s mentioned in the will, Patrick could try to take it from me. Your father gave me this money secretly during his lifetime to avoid Patrick’s interference. Now, I want to give it to you and Sophia as a living gift…
He explained it to me, but I was still trying to grasp the full impact. The amount entered in the ledger he showed me was enormous; I’d never seen so much money before.
It meant a lot to me that my father left me this, not because of the amount, but because it showed he truly cared for me, not just Patrick, whom he considered his successor. This touched me deeply. We didn’t often exchange emotional words, but I knew he always cared deeply for us.
I want everything I entrusted to your mother to be passed on to you as a thank you for all the gifts you have given me, and for that I am sincerely grateful, he wrote. Without realizing it, tears streamed down my face. I couldn’t contain my emotion.
For a long time, I felt like my father never fully understood me, but I was completely wrong. He always understood and valued me. That’s probably why he entrusted me with that old pickup truck.
Knowing I would cherish it and put it to good use, I said to her, “Mom, I wish I could have done more for Dad,” with deep regret. But my mother comforted me with a kind smile. He seemed to understand my grief, saying, “It’s natural to think you could have done more when you’re grieving for a father, but you gave your father such joy and so much love.”
You were his greatest pride. Hearing his words made me cry again, but it also inspired me to make a firm decision. I wouldn’t let the company my father founded fall into the hands of someone like Patrick, who had wished for his death.
I decided to discreetly resist and devise a detailed plan without Patrick knowing he had acquired a considerable fortune. The first step was to contact the corporate executives my father had trusted to build a base of support. They agreed to help, supporting my desire to continue my father’s legacy.
Their reactions made it clear that my father had never spoken ill of me. Meanwhile, my mother and sister acted sweetly during the will reading, diverting Patrick’s attention from me. They continued to act the same way in front of Patrick, which made him believe he had triumphed, and he looked at me arrogantly.
Hey, you, abandoned by your father and left destitute, still intend to stay in this house? He sneered, “I’m the new president now. Admit defeat and come home.” Patrick said these words disdainfully, waving his hand as if shooing away a fly.
Since taking over as CEO, Patrick’s arrogant attitude has created a tense atmosphere in the company. Despite his high position, he neglected his duties and behaved rudely toward his staff. This caused many problems, and many qualified employees became dissatisfied with his leadership.
Patrick didn’t question his approach and remained overconfident. “Those who don’t understand my superior vision should resign immediately,” he would say in public, making decisions without listening to anyone.
As the company’s problems mounted, Patrick enjoyed spending money and living lavishly, while his passion for the business seemed to fade. When I met him, he seemed like a great, skilled person, and even my father liked him. How had he changed so much? My mother cried every night, hiding her tears from the children.
I couldn’t stand by and watch the company crumble. I silently planned my next step. The day came when I acted.
I left home early and waited for Patrick in the office. When he entered the president’s office, he was surprised to see me sitting there. “What the hell are you doing? Why are you sitting there? Get this person out of here!” he demanded.
“You’re the one who should go,” I replied calmly. “What are you talking about? Have you gone crazy?” Patrick looked at me as if I were an annoying bug. With the assets our father left us, I bought the majority of the company’s shares.
An extraordinary general meeting of shareholders was held, and you were officially removed as president, Patrick. I’m sorry to say, but you are no longer the president of this company.” Wait a minute, he stutters, confused, repeating meaningless words.
Don’t you understand? I now control two-thirds of the shares in this company. You thought the inheritance was just an old pickup truck, but that pickup truck unexpectedly turned into money. Patrick tried to delve into the details of the hiding place, but I avoided his questions and changed the subject, which only annoyed him more.
Game over. Get out of here immediately, I told him calmly and handed him several documents. As Patrick reviewed them, he paled.
“What is this?” he asked. “These are the minutes of the extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting, and this other document is your termination notice,” I explained. Patrick got very angry, crumpled the papers, and yelled.
“Do you think this will hold up? I’ll take legal action. Go ahead, legal action. We have good reasons to act,” I replied calmly.
“What reasons? You’ve been after the old man’s wealth and this company from the beginning.” “It’s nothing more than jealousy,” Patrick accused. Let me ask you directly, Patrick.
Have you been using company assets for personal use and signing leases for your own benefit? I asked. What if I have? What’s it to you? Patrick replied, paling in surprise. How did you know? He stammered as he listed his misdeeds, such as taking computers and other business-used appliances…
Patrick struggled to answer. The computers and televisions that should be in the office are in your home, being used for personal purposes. Isn’t that reason enough to act? I persisted.
Patrick frantically tried to defend himself. “Why? How do you know?” he asked, his lips trembling. I kept my gaze on him and continued.
You should have been more aware of your responsibilities. Did you become complacent when you thought you had everything under control? I had been gathering information about Patrick’s actions from company executives after our father’s death. Patrick grew more arrogant.
He used to at least feign respect for others, but as president, he began delegating his work to others and even fell asleep in his office. This attitude caused many loyal employees who respected my father to leave, frustrated by his behavior. Patrick, annoyed by the situation, doubted my management ability, insisting that it was impossible for me to fulfill the role of manager.
You’ve never worked at this company. Think about it. How can someone with no experience running companies become president? It’s impossible to entrust management to someone like you.
Patrick commented. You’re absolutely right. I agree.
I have no intention of becoming president of this company. My position in this chair is only a symbolic message to you. In fact, a new president has already been elected by another board of directors and is already serving.
Patrick was stunned. He stood there, mouth agape and eyes wide open, shocked by the turn of events. He was certain I was running for president and had plotted to replace him.
As I’ve said many times, I’m not seeking the presidency. My only goal is to honor my father and protect the company. He dedicated his life to building it, I explained.
Who would believe such nonsense? Patrick retorted. He thought I only cared about the wealth and status our father inherited, not his true worth. After my response, Patrick trembled with anger for a moment, but then he composed himself…
Do you think this is over and you can just enjoy it? He sneered and stormed out of the president’s office. That night, something unexpected happened. Sophia threw divorce papers at Patrick, ending their marriage.
This was a consequence of his misconduct at the company and his subsequent dismissal. The new president was chosen from among directors who respected my father and were determined to protect what he had built. I believed the company should be led by someone who would continue my father’s legacy, a sentiment my mother and sister shared.
While coordinating Patrick’s dismissal with the lawyers, Sophia was preparing for a divorce. The day she mentioned the divorce, her pained voice filled the house with a heavy atmosphere. “Why are you rejecting me now? Is it because I’ve lost the title of president and you’ve lost interest in me?” Patrick asked.
Remaining calm but firm, Sophia replied, “There’s no point in talking about betrayal. You were the one who betrayed our relationship from the beginning.”
Your love wasn’t for me, but for the title of daughter of the president. You neglected our home, didn’t help raise our children, showed no respect to our ailing father, and, in the end, tried to take everything from him. Now it’s time for you to face the consequences.
Patrick didn’t respond to Sophia’s words. He had suffered greatly, worrying about his children’s future and the fate of the company, but fortunately, our father’s inheritance provided him with a solid financial foundation to raise his children. After the divorce, we planned to live a quiet life, free from conflict, with our mother and sister.
Our only concern was the possibility of retaliation from Patrick, but he no longer had any funds. He had lost a lot of money in an investment scam and was even in debt. This scam involved a man posing as a brokerage firm who was actually a con man.
Patrick, persuaded by convincing words, lost a considerable amount. This situation demonstrated how people can exploit those who suddenly have a lot of money. Now, Patrick was suffering the financial consequences of his actions.
Meanwhile, I spent very rewarding days caring for my mother. I enjoyed a quiet and comfortable life while continuing my work at the tutoring school. My mother and I also greatly enjoyed caring for my nephew Randy, who loved us very much…
His presence brightened our lives. “When I grow up, I’ll be president like my grandfather,” Randy declared, with the innocence of his childhood dreams.
This brought smiles to our faces and even made my mother cry with emotion.
Sophia and I exchanged knowing glances, our smiles reflecting warmth and understanding.
You may say that now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you wanted to become a teacher when you’re in college, I joked gently, reflecting on similar past statements, which made everyone laugh.
But I’m not very good at studying, so maybe I won’t be a good teacher, he said seriously, frowning.
His sincerity made him even more endearing and prompted more laughter, this time filled with affection. At that moment, filled with immense happiness, we realized that we were truly living in the present, enjoying our family togetherness.
