Chapter 13 — Preserving Value

Daniel began counseling. At first he treated each appointment like another punishment. Then something shifted. He started calling without requesting money, signatures, or forgiveness.

One evening he said, “I spent my whole life believing Dad’s company was the proof that I mattered.”

“You mattered before the company.”

“I didn’t feel that.”

“Your father loved you.”

“I know. But he respected work, discipline, responsibility. I wanted to become those things quickly.”