The lender was independently assessing its exposure.
Dad slammed his fist against my desk.
“You wouldn’t destroy your own father!”
I stood.
“No. I won’t let you use my reputation to rescue yourself.”
Mom began crying.
“Sarah, please. We’re family.”
I faced her.
“Where was my family when I stood outside with one backpack?”
She lowered her gaze.
“Where were you when Eleanor paid for my textbooks? When I graduated? When I built this company?”
Silence followed.
Tyler muttered, “You think you’re better than us.”
“No,” I replied. “I finally understand I deserved better.”
I told them to leave.
Two months later, their lender refused further financing after its investigation.
Without those funds, the company entered insolvency proceedings.
Dad lost control of the business he’d spent years portraying as successful.
Tyler, accustomed to a generous salary from the company, had to seek employment elsewhere.
My parents sold their luxury house and relocated to a small rental apartment.
