William and Linda had been married for 20 years, had a 17-year-old daughter, and lived happily in the house Linda inherited from her parents.

“I’m seeing someone else, Linda,” William admitted. “I didn’t want us to see this day, but I-I couldn’t help it.”

“I can’t explain it, but I love her,” he said. “She’s young, different, and we just clicked.”

Linda exploded. “We’ve been married for 20 years, we have a daughter, and now—” Linda’s buzzing phone cut her off.

A court agent called to inform her that their home was about to be seized. They took out a loan for the dried meat business and mortgaged their home. William was expected to repay the debt. She had no idea the installments were past due.

“Linda, I-I…couldn’t save enough for those payments…” William began making excuses, realizing he was to fault for everything. Linda couldn’t take her slacker husband anymore. “OUT!” she shouted. “Get the hell out of my house!”

William left his wife and daughter six years ago but did not live the life he desired.

Instead, he lived a miserable life, losing both his career and new family. As he prepared for a job interview, he hoped to recover his life.

He had applied for a job at a beef jerky manufacturing plant.

William started working as a packaging operator. On the third day of work, he was busily labeling boxes when his manager, Mr. Dunn, approached him.

“If you don’t want to be stuck in the same role, William, you gotta impress our CEO today,” Mr. Dunn grinned, nudging WIlliam, who was confused.

A murmur of voices diverted his attention, forcing William to gaze up toward the door, where Mr. Dunn greeted the CEO.

William’s jaw dropped when he realized the CEO was his daughter.

“Dad?” she chirped confidently. “It’s been a long time, right?”

“How? How did you become a CEO?” he blurted.

“Please meet me in my office after lunch.”

William went to her office in the afternoon.

“After you left, we were homeless. We only got one-third of the money from the sale of our confiscated home. Thanks to you for not bothering to repay the debt!”

“Mom gave me her last money because she didn’t want me to compromise my education. And then Aunt Georgina called one day. Mom had to move in with her, far away from me, and she said…” Isabelle paused, recalling one of the most challenging moments of her life. “Mom’s life was in danger…”

Six years ago…

Isabelle’s phone rang as she sat outside the college admissions office reviewing her application materials.

“It’s about your Mom, honey,” Georgina said, sounding concerned. “She-she had symptoms of a heart attack this afternoon.”

Linda was fine for the time being, but she may require surgery in the future.

Isabelle remembered her parents’ beef jerky business. She could try it to make extra money.

Isabelle spent the next month polishing her sales presentation, cold-emailing major retailers and sending out samples.

Isabelle’s produce was distributed around the table.

Her phone vibrated, jolting her out of her reverie.

“Honey, your mother’s condition is worsening,” Georgina said worriedly. It turned out Linda’s medical report had an error, and she needed the surgery within a month.

Isabelle realized there was only one way to help her mother right now. She went to see her former classmate’s father, Mr. Navarro, a wealthy businessman. She told him about her struggle to make the first few samples of dried meat.

“But I know you’re a true businessman, so I’m here with a deal. If you invest in me and all goes well, I can offer you 35% of the factory’s income.”

Present-day…

“Mr. Navarro and I made the deal. I passed Chris’s inspection and got my first check. It helped me get our home back, and I could get Mom treated. We survived Dad. But I can’t stand betrayal, so you’re no longer working here. ”

Isabelle arrived around 15 minutes later, accompanied by two boxes carried by a warehouse worker.

William discovered the ancient kitchenware and commercial oven inside, remains from his and Linda’s failing business.

“I think we’re at par now, Dad. You have everything you need to start and grow a business and change your life. Just believe me. I’ve been there,” Isabelle smiled and walked away.