Chapter 2 - The Investment
Daniel had always dreamed of owning a business.
As a child, he sold lemonade on the sidewalk and charged extra for ice. At university, he created business plans instead of studying for exams. Most of his ideas failed, but Thomas admired his determination.
Three years before Thomas died, Daniel opened a luxury home renovation company with Marissa. She handled clients and marketing while Daniel supervised contractors.
At first, the business appeared successful.
Their social media pages displayed marble kitchens, rooftop terraces, and smiling couples standing inside newly renovated homes. Daniel bought a new car. Marissa began wearing designer jewelry. They moved into a large house in a neighborhood they could barely afford.
Thomas warned them not to expand too quickly.
Daniel dismissed his concern.
“You have to spend money to make money.”
After Thomas’s death, Daniel’s business began losing clients. Several projects ran over budget. A contractor sued them for unpaid wages. Marissa borrowed money to complete one renovation, then borrowed more to cover the first loan.
Daniel never told Eleanor.
Instead, he began asking casual questions.
Was the family house fully paid for?
How much had Thomas left in savings?
Had Eleanor considered moving somewhere smaller?
She answered honestly because she trusted him.
The mortgage had been paid years ago. Thomas had left her investments and retirement accounts. She was comfortable, though not extravagantly wealthy.
A month later, Daniel suggested that Eleanor invest in his company.
“I don’t understand construction,” she said.
“You don’t need to. You’d only be helping us grow.”
“I already gave you twenty thousand dollars when you started.”
“That was years ago.”
Eleanor shook her head. “Your father and I agreed it would be the only business contribution.”
Daniel left disappointed but polite.
Marissa was less careful.
“You’re sitting in a house worth more than a million dollars,” she said. “What are you saving it for?”
“My future.”
Marissa smiled thinly.
“At your age?”
Daniel apologized for her immediately.
May you like
Eleanor accepted the apology.
But she did not forget the question.
