I never told my parents that I had invested $500 million to save their failing company. My sister took credit, claiming she had closed the deal. At the victory party, my five-year-old son accidentally spilled water on his dress. She hit him so hard he lost consciousness. My mother snorted, “You clumsy speculator! Take the boy and go!” I gave them one last chance to apologize. Instead, they shouted, “Your sister saved us! You’re nothing but a burden!” Then they turned their attention to me. “Hello, our CEO…” What I had done had completely shattered their world.

I didn’t stop for any of them. I didn’t need their approval then, and I certainly don’t need it now.

Chapter 6: The End of Troubles
The private apartment was silent, a stark contrast to the chaos downstairs. Leo lay sprawled, propped up on several pillows, his face pressed against an ice pack. When the door opened and I entered, his face lit up.

“Mom!”

I ran to the bed, hugged him, and gently stroked his bruised cheek. “I’m here, Leo. I’m here.”

“Aunt Vanny was really angry,” he whispered into my shoulder.

“Aunt Vanny’s gone, honey,” I said, stroking his hair. “She’ll never be mad at you again. I promise.”

“Did I ruin the party?”

Continue reading…