My father was a huge corporate CEO, and I stood at his tomb. Following his death, my brother-in-law Patrick took over. He got the business and $500 million, while I got an old pickup vehicle. Patrick said, “I own the company and all the real estate in my hands.”

That vehicle fit him perfectly. But for me, it was more than a car. I examined it, and when I started the engine, the navigation system showed a destination.

What’s this? ” I thought. I drove hard and softly. I’m Frank, 45, and hello.

My father is in a big coffin in front of me. Our connection has always been difficult. He founded a construction firm, but I didn’t.

After graduating from college, I left home to become a teacher, realizing my childhood goal. This choice prompted many furious disputes, and we hardly communicated for a while. Despite our disputes, I never despised my dad.

My aspirations were too important to give up to take over the family company, even though I felt responsible as the oldest son. I felt guilty for not meeting my father’s expectations. I avoided my parents’ residence due of guilt.

Sophia was requested by my mother to inform my father about my life. Sophia and her husband regularly sent costly presents or vacations to my father on his birthday or anniversary, claiming to be from me. Sophia always encouraged me by stating, “I wish mom and dad could talk to each other honestly.”

Strive for strength. He must feel lonely within. Sophia’s words regularly crossed my mind and made me shake my head.

Unfortunately, my dad got cancer. I resigned my work and went home after hearing the news. My dad’s disagreements appeared pointless when I discovered that living was more essential.

Back in the hamlet, I taught at a small school and took care of my unwell dad. I returned to my dad, who was astonished but took it silently. Not much was said either.

I never left his side, aiding him when he needed it. I felt calm after his kind thanks. My father died of disease.

Sophia, our mother, and I accompanied him as he died softly. We didn’t know his last thoughts, but we prayed he was at peace. We were terribly devastated by his loss, despite our hopes.

My mother, Sophia, and nephew Randy sobbed. The only emotionless person was my brother-in-law Patrick. He coldly questioned, “Is he finally dead?” during funeral preparations. I was proud of myself for being cool and not yelling at Patrick.

Instead, I planned my father’s funeral. This kept me occupied and distracted from my loss. I disregarded Patrick’s criticism and kept everything running well.

I never liked Patrick, and our friendship deteriorated. Even though it was hard, I stayed focused. I appreciated Patrick, a talented worker in my father’s firm, when I met him.

Patrick married my sister Sophia, making me feel like I had a brother. He was my role model at five years older. Before Patrick and Sophia were married, I regularly sought him for guidance on different issues, and he always listened.

One of our biggest debates was whether I should join the family business. Patrick advised Frank to live alone. Your route is unique.”

No one knows the optimal life choices, so choose selections you won’t regret. His remarks inspired me to switch from management school to the College of Education, where I intended to study. Patrick and Sophia married and started a life.

The gap between my father and myself has grown over the last 22 years. I continued my life without bridging the divide. But when I heard my father was sick, I dropped everything and rushed home.

Patrick, who had welcomed me, had changed. He felt uneasy around me now. Patrick coldly said, “You came back quickly when you heard he was sick, right?” while we were alone. But whatever happens, you won’t inherit.”

His remarks surprised me, and I struggled to answer. What do you mean? Quit being ignorant. It may be a coincidence, but the future firm head has already been chosen, Patrick added coldly.

His remarks shook me, and I spoke louder than intended. No, not that. I didn’t return for this firm.”

I wanted to apologize to Dad, even though it was too late, for being a bad son. Patrick fired me. Your fancy phrases are unnecessary.

It sounds soap opera-like. Sophia enjoys that. But were the things you gave him just for show? I told Patrick it was not true, but he had already decided and didn’t believe me.

Sophia too took his remarks as an insult, and I sensed a huge gulf between us for the first time. Following that episode, I became furious with Patrick. He blatantly mocked me.

No matter how hard you try, that moment is over. Do not laugh at me. He advised you to return to your post and help problematic pupils.

I used to worry about how people perceived me, but Patrick’s statements proved that he cared more about himself than our father. His father-in-law and Sophia felt disrespected by his actions. Patrick married Sophia to get closer to my father’s business and riches, I thought.

He seldom visited and didn’t assist my father while he was unwell. What he could do was work hard to defend the firm my father had established. Patrick usually seemed courteous, but he wanted to avoid controversy.

He said weekend golfing was business. His kid was hardly cared for. He wanted him to master numerous talents to take over the company, but Sophia did the driving and cleaning.

Patrick fiercely took Sophia’s hand and said, “I’m giving it my all for him,” when she appeared disappointed. No matter what, get results now. Help each other pass this test.”

Sophia struggled to face him and typically nodded, albeit reluctantly. Patrick seemed like the ideal spouse to Sophia, so she believed him. He probably shed himself for me since he thought I was like him.

Patrick’s taunting eventually didn’t upset me as much. I was devastated when our father died. I was depressed and empty.

Patrick sounded worried about our father’s declining health, but I felt he was waiting for this time. I was disappointed and furious by this thinking. After our father died, Patrick got most of his considerable money.

My father’s will gave him the same inheritance rights as Sophia and me, even though he was merely a son-in-law. He inherited most of the company’s shares and a fortune. This unexpected turn of events left me stunned.

Even though I was my father’s biological daughter, I imagined we’d share the fortune equally. Patrick got virtually everything. I acquired an old pickup vehicle that my father loved.

Patrick appeared astonished in public, but when I was alone with him, he smiled quietly and said, “You came from the city to this town, took care of Dad day and night, and all you’re left with is this pickup truck, huh? Ironic ending. Like a joke, I own the firm and leave you this pickup vehicle.

I clutched the pickup keys, feeling hollow when he went with a mocking smirk. I faced hard truth with cold metal. Family attempted to cheer me up.

Stay alert. Father had reasons. He wanted to avoid your anger.

Dad always adored that pickup. It was his favorite car. He cared for you.

He was nice, but responding hurt too much. I understood inheritance doesn’t measure a father’s affection, but Patrick, who appeared to be waiting for my father’s death, hoarded practically everything was very disrespectful. Money wasn’t the issue.

Seeing my father’s hard work in his hands hurt. I felt unable to adjust. I took control of my father’s lone minivan by turning the truck key.

It seemed more profound. Cleaning the vehicle was supposed to make me feel better. I hosed off the vehicle and took my father’s seat behind the wheel.

As I started the engine, the GPS system seemed odd. Instead of my location, it showed a broad blue path. How strange.

Why is the navigation system’s destination defined? My thoughts. This frequently occurs on particular routes. The destination screen displayed coordinates, not a place.

Driving takes roughly an hour. I didn’t think much since I wanted to drive the vehicle. I started it and left the home.

I reached a house-like structure an hour later after a beautiful journey. Quite surprising. A little, simple home was in front of me, unlike my town’s bigger houses.

The atmosphere was nice. Nobody was around, and it was silent. I exited the cab and stood in front of the home, bewildered.

No signage indicated this site, yet my navigation system took me there. I reluctantly rang the doorbell. My mom was the last person I anticipated as the door slowly opened.

Frank, I waited. “Come in, honey,” she murmured. “Why are you here, Mom? This location was added to Dad’s navigation system. How? I asked.

“I’ll explain everything, but first, come in and relax,” she said. 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.