Chapter 9 - The Family He Built Was Worth More Than a Billion DollarsTwo years passed.
Daniel's company crossed the two-billion-dollar valuation mark.
He still drove the same old sedan.
But there was one difference.
Olivia drove beside him.
They had been together for eighteen months.
Lily had graduated with honors.
Rachel had rebuilt her relationship with her daughter.
Ethan had left his father's company and started a nonprofit helping young entrepreneurs who came from difficult financial circumstances.
The past had not disappeared.
But it no longer controlled them.
Then Daniel received a letter.
From Richard Blake.
He was dying.
He wanted to meet.
Daniel went to the prison.
Richard looked old.
Nothing like the powerful man Daniel remembered.
“You won,” Richard said.
Daniel shook his head.
“I didn't compete with you.”
Richard laughed weakly.
“That was always your problem.”
“No.”
Daniel stood.
“That was yours.”
Richard looked down.
“Do you know why I hated you?”
Daniel said nothing.
“Because you had nothing.”
Richard looked at him.
“And still refused to sell your soul.”
Daniel stared.
Richard's voice cracked.
“I had everything.”
“You had money.”
“I had power.”
“You had fear.”
Richard closed his eyes.
Daniel turned to leave.
“Wait.”
Daniel stopped.
Richard reached beneath the table.
He handed him a small envelope.
Inside was a photograph.
Daniel as a young father.
Lily sleeping against his chest.
On the back was written:
The day you became stronger than all of us.
Daniel stared.
“Why?”
Richard looked away.
“Because somewhere along the way, I realized I lost.”
Daniel left.
Outside the prison, Olivia waited.
“How was it?”
“Sad.”
“Are you okay?”
Daniel nodded.
“Yes.”
Then he looked at the photograph.
“I finally understand.”
“What?”
“Money was never the victory.”
Olivia smiled.
“No?”
Daniel shook his head.
“I came here with nothing.”
May you like
He looked at her.
“And I leave with everything.”
