My life, Anna Chen’s, until then was a beautiful painting lacquered with layers of love and easy triumphs. My family in Chicago, which included my father, Liam, my mother, Helen, and my older sister, Maya, was like a poster family that everyone wanted to be like. Well, my father, Liam Chen, was the founder and the heart and soul of Chen Innovations, a booming technology company. As for me, I was the Head of Financial Management and Analysis, my Dad’s irreplaceable right-hand man, a job I had worked my way into from intern. Father was always proud of me; he called me the family’s “financial brain.” My mother, Helen, was a sweet and introspective woman who had always taken good care of the house. My sister, Maya, two years older, was a flower child in the fashion industry. She wanted to be a career woman who loved what she did, despite whispers she might not make the best wife and mother. Maya didn’t want to follow in the family business but wanted to stand on her own two feet; I greatly admired her for always knowing how to take charge and decide her own life. She was famous on social media with millions of followers, her life revolving around fashion shows, lavish parties, and lucrative advertising contracts. Maya cared nothing for the dry numbers or complex business strategies of Chen Innovations; she lived in her own world, and we all respected that.
Everything flowed smoothly until one fateful afternoon. My father had a stroke. The illness struck suddenly, brutally, plunging him into a deep coma, confined to a hospital bed with the steady beeping of medical machines. Immediately, that perfect painting began to crack. My mother, Helen, changed dramatically. Her gentleness and thoughtfulness vanished, replaced by a cold, distant demeanor, especially towards me. Forced smiles, fleeting touches, and then, overt avoidance. I thought perhaps I was overthinking it, assuming she was just distraught from worrying about my father. But I began to feel a growing unease that, it seemed, at every important company meeting or party, my mother always tried to minimize my presence as much as possible. Meeting notifications often came late or were “accidentally” misdirected. My offers to participate were met with clever excuses, like, “You just focus on your work, your mother and Maya have this covered.” And my sister, as soon as she heard of father’s illness, the first place she went was not the hospital hallway but the headquarters of Chen Innovations. She had people clean, arrange, and redecorate my father’s office space while he was in critical condition in the hospital, which made me question Maya’s true character. My mother informed the entire company that Maya would temporarily replace my father until he recovered to manage the company.
I understood that I was being sidelined, pushed away from the center of an empire I had helped my father build. The pain of losing my family’s warmth mixed with anxiety for my father and insecurity about my own future. I was also deeply concerned about Maya’s management style and strategies for the company, as she had never cared about or participated in any operational aspect of the company. Everything happening before me left me utterly bewildered.
After my father’s incident, Maya, the sister who had once shunned business, completely changed her attitude. She suddenly appeared regularly at the office, actively participated in operations, and attended every important company meeting, even more than I did. She learned very quickly, or at least seemed to, and always offered sharp opinions, though I knew most of them were superficial ideas, lacking depth.
My mother, Helen, frequently created situations that forced me to disqualify myself from important meetings. Once, I received an urgent call from the hospital right before a meeting with a major partner, informing me that my father’s condition had suddenly worsened. I rushed to the hospital, only to find my father stable, and realized I had been tricked. When I returned to the company, the meeting had ended, and Maya had already replaced me, even presenting my report as if it were her own work.
“Anna, my dear,” my mother said with a smile I couldn’t decipher, “you rushed to the hospital like that and missed company business. Luckily, Maya was able to fill in quickly.”
Maya’s gaze at me was triumphant, as if to say, “That’s my position.” This change made me feel lost and betrayed. I was the one who had built this company brick by brick with my father, but now, I felt like an outsider, a thorn in their side.
Meanwhile, my father’s condition gradually worsened. The doctors said his chances of waking up were increasingly slim. Pain and helplessness gnawed at my soul. Every day, I spent time at the hospital, holding my father’s hand, telling him about everything, hoping for a miracle, hoping he would wake up to protect me, to see what was happening.
Amidst these crises, an unexpected event occurred: the appearance of Daniel Lee. He was the young, handsome, and talented CEO of Lee Holdings, a crucial strategic partner of Chen Innovations. Daniel had just returned to Chicago after successfully studying abroad and was now taking over his family’s vast enterprise. He was known as a business genius, with rare foresight and decisiveness. Before this, Daniel and I had often gone out for private dinners to discuss business between our two families; his way of speaking made me feel comfortable and fond of him.
I met Daniel after his return at a meeting I was “accidentally” excluded from. I walked into the meeting room and saw him laughing intimately with my mother and Maya. The feeling of being pushed aside resurfaced.
“Hello Anna,” my mother said, her voice strained. “You’re here. This is Daniel Lee, CEO of Lee Holdings. Daniel, this is Anna, my youngest daughter.”
Daniel turned to look at me. His eyes were different from others in the business world. It wasn’t judgment, nor suspicion, but genuine curiosity.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Anna,” Daniel said, his voice deep and warm. “I’ve heard a lot about your financial talent from Mr. Liam.” He suddenly acted as if he didn’t know me in front of my mother and sister Maya, which made me wonder what he considered our previous relationship to be.
Daniel’s words were like a cool breeze blowing through my soul. He was the only one who mentioned my father, mentioned my talent respectfully. After that meeting, Daniel sought to speak with me privately. He didn’t beat around the bush, directly asking about my father’s condition and expressing genuine sympathy.
“I know this is a very difficult time for you, Anna,” Daniel said, his eyes full of understanding. “My father was also very ill once. I understand how you feel right now.”
Daniel’s presence seemed to soothe the crises I faced. He was not just a reliable business partner but also a small ray of light, someone I could share my burdens with without fear of judgment. He constantly offered helpful advice, not just about work but also about how to deal with family pressure. Daniel became a pillar of emotional support, a friend I never thought I’d find amidst the whirlwind of conspiracies and changes.
Amidst the storms in my family and at work, Daniel was a peaceful haven. The afternoons we spent in quiet, small coffee shops, far from the city center’s hustle and bustle, were precious moments. We didn’t just talk about contracts or market strategies; we talked about dreams, fears, and even personal interests. We had always gotten along so well, even before and after his studies abroad, Daniel remained the same: gentle, calm, and courteous. I felt his warm aura and gentle heart, which truly soothed my soul, which was freezing due to the harsh events that had befallen my life.
I told Daniel about my passion for art, about the paintings I used to create before taking on the heavy financial responsibilities of Chen Innovations. I spoke about how I used to spend hours in my studio, feeling every brushstroke, every shade, and how it helped me find peace. He listened intently, his eyes never judging or dismissing.
“You have an artist’s soul, Anna,” Daniel said, his voice full of admiration. “I truly admire that. It’s rare in this harsh business world.”
I gave a sad smile. “Now it’s just a dream. I don’t have time to paint anymore. It’s all just numbers and reports.”
“Why not?” Daniel asked, his voice firm. “Art isn’t just a hobby; it’s a part of who you are. It shapes how you see the world, how you solve problems. Don’t give that up.”
He told me about his travels, the experiences he had when studying abroad and taking over Lee Holdings. He spoke of challenges, immense pressures, but without boasting. He shared with humility and a deep understanding of the burden of responsibility. That small comforting detail made me feel incredibly shared and understood.
“I used to think I had to prove myself to everyone, to be a perfect person without flaws,” Daniel said, sipping his coffee. “But then I realized, the most important thing is to be true to yourself, live by your values, and find people who truly believe in you.”
Daniel’s presence, his sincere encouragement, was like a refreshing breeze soothing my soul. I no longer felt alone, no longer felt like I had to bear everything by myself. Amidst the schemes and coldness of my family, Daniel was a solid support, a friend I could trust implicitly. He was not just a business partner, but also the person who helped me look back at myself, at the values I had almost forgotten in the whirlwind of life. He brought peace, a peace I never knew I craved so much.
That peace was fragile. Slowly, I realized my mother wanted to manipulate my entire life. Not just work, but personal choices too. She’d give “advice”—more like orders—on how I dressed, how I spoke, even how I reacted to news about Father. Everything had to be her way, her image of a “perfect Anna”—a dull, controllable version. It made me feel so pressured, so scared. I looked at her, questioning if she was even my mother anymore. The kind, gentle woman who cared for our family? Gone. Now, her eyes held only calculations of money, of the assets Father and I built.
Late one afternoon, walking past Helen’s office, I heard voices. Mother and Maya. The door was ajar, their whispers drifted out.
HELEN: Her voice was a whisper, but it chilled me. “Maya, you must convince Daniel. He is the key. Lee Holdings on our side, the CEO position is yours.”
MAYA: She giggled, triumphant. “Don’t worry, Mother. I’m doing well. Daniel seems very ‘impressed’ with me. Besides, Anna’s pushed herself away from him. Too busy with Father and those old, boring reports.”
I froze. My breath hitched. Maya’s words hit me like lightning. They were scheming to charm Daniel, to steal him! And I’d started to trust him, to see him as a real friend! This side of my own mother and sister gave me goosebumps. I couldn’t believe I’d poured so much love into such fake people.
HELEN: She continued, her voice softer, the calculation sharper. “And Anna? She’s too deep in those numbers and your father. She won’t realize until it’s too late. You need to make sure the smaller shareholders vote for you. I have a secret fund ready; use it freely. We must secure everything before Liam’s condition worsens.”
A chill ran down my spine. My mother didn’t just want me out of the company. She wanted to manipulate my entire life, even the relationship I was hoping for. The more I thought, the clearer it became. Mother had deliberately set up private meetings for Maya and Daniel, intentionally put Maya in every meeting Daniel attended, and deliberately tried to isolate me from him.
Meanwhile, throughout Father’s severe illness, I was at the hospital every day. Talking to him. Caring for him. I stroked his hair, massaged his hands and feet, told him about the company, about my talks with Daniel, about my fears. I hoped for a miracle. Hoped he’d wake up, hear me, somehow understand what was happening.
ANNA: I whispered in Father’s ear, tears streaming down my face. “Father, I remember you teaching me about trust. I’m wondering, can I trust anyone anymore? Mother and Sister… They’re changing so much. Please, wake up, Father! I need you!”
One afternoon, I went to the hospital. Father looked weaker. The medical machines beeped, indifferent. My anxiety doubled.
ANNA: I whispered to Father, tears flowing. “Father, what do I do? I feel like I’m losing everything.”
A nurse walked in, her face gravely.
NURSE: “Miss Anna, Mr. Liam’s latest test results are in. His condition… it’s deteriorating rapidly. He needs closer monitoring.”
My heart clenched. Father was getting worse. I felt so helpless. I knew I needed to do something. Fast. To protect his assets, his life’s work.
Through trusted sources at the company, especially an old colleague of my father’s, Mr. David – a loyal employee who still had some conscience – I slowly learned my mother and Maya were planning to bribe shareholders for the upcoming CEO vote. They wanted to replace me with Maya. Get me out of Chen Innovations completely.
DAVID: His voice was low, worried, when we met in a secluded corner. “Miss Anna, I shouldn’t tell you this, but I can’t just stand by. Mrs. Helen and Miss Maya are lobbying the smaller shareholders. Promising huge profits, special perks. The CEO position? It will be Maya’s, right after Mr. Liam’s condition is officially announced.”
ANNA: “No, it can’t be… My father would never agree!”
DAVID: “I’ve worked with your father for over 30 years. He would never want this. You have to do something, Anna. They’re moving fast.”
I felt cornered. Losing family affection, yes. But now, facing losing my career and the legacy Father built? The internal struggle was at its peak. I couldn’t just sit and watch everything crumble. I had to act. I had to confront them.
I walked straight into Mother’s office. She sat leisurely, sipping Earl Grey from a fancy teacup, her face annoyingly serene.
ANNA: My voice was firm, though my insides trembled. “Mother, I want to ask about the upcoming shareholder meeting. And what I’ve heard.”
Helen put down her teacup. Her eyes were sharp, cold. No warmth at all.
HELEN: My mother was blunt, her tone completely changed. “Heard what? You should know, Anna, the CEO position is no game. Maya has talent, vision. You? You’re just good with numbers. Too pragmatic, too dry for leadership that needs flexibility and connections.”
ANNA: “I’ve dedicated years to this company! Father trusted me! I maintained Chen Innovations’ financial stability!”
HELEN: “Your father is gravely ill, Anna. He can’t make decisions now. And you, you’re too emotional. The company needs someone strong, decisive, someone who can make breakthroughs. Like Maya.”
Just then, Maya walked in, wearing an expensive business suit. She smiled triumphantly, as if she’d just heard the best play ever.
MAYA: “Mother’s right, little sister. You’re too ‘artistic’ to run a big corporation. You only look to the past.”
ANNA: My eyes red, I looked directly at Maya. “You and Mother are bribing the shareholders, aren’t you? Don’t pretend you don’t know!”
My mother let out a dry, joyless chuckle.
HELEN: “That’s what’s necessary to secure the company’s future. Call it bribery if you like. I call it strategy. In business, trust isn’t enough to win, Anna. You have to understand that.” Their shamelessness made me tremble with rage. I felt like I was standing before two strangers.
ANNA: “You’re destroying what Father painstakingly built! You’re tearing our family apart! You’re turning this home into a battlefield!”
HELEN: “Family? This family has changed, Anna. You should learn to adapt. Your father’s era is over. Now we move forward. You can’t keep up.”
I rushed to the hospital, torn apart inside. I collapsed beside Father’s bed, clutching his hand. As if letting go would make him vanish forever.
ANNA: I sobbed, my voice hoarse. “Father, Mother and Sister are plotting to take over the company! They’re trying to get rid of me! They’re bribing everyone! What do I do, Father? Please, wake up! I need you! I need your wisdom!”
Liam’s heart monitor suddenly blared. Alarms. Nurses and doctors rushed in, frantic.
DOCTOR: “The patient’s condition is critical! Prepare for an emergency! Miss Anna, please step outside!” His urgent voice terrified me more.
They pushed me out. The door slammed shut. It felt like my last hope crashing down. Utter terror consumed me. Was I too late? Had I failed to protect Father, to protect what he cherished, to protect myself? Helplessness and despair flooded me, drowning me in darkness. Everything Father had built, that strong fortress, seemed to shatter right before my eyes. And I could only watch.
My father, Liam, passed away shortly after. The funeral was heavy, but I felt empty, numb. The pain was too great; it had hardened me. Inside, a cold resolve took hold. I had to find the truth. I had to make things clear.
After the funeral, a private family lawyer, Mr. Johnson, who I knew was very close and loyal to my father, asked to meet. We met at his office. Quiet. Filled with old books and files.
JOHNSON: He placed an old leather briefcase on the table, face grim. “Miss Anna, I have documents Mr. Liam entrusted to me years ago. He asked me to give them to you only if something unusual happened to him, or if you needed them to protect the company.”
I opened the briefcase. Inside, a thick folder. Labeled “Project Phoenix” in Father’s familiar handwriting.
ANNA: My eyes wide, completely surprised. “Project Phoenix? What is this?”
JOHNSON: “It’s a project Mr. Liam prepared many years ago, a contingency plan for the worst. He seemed to foresee something, or at least he wanted to protect his legacy absolutely. He was always very cautious and farsighted.”
Inside were detailed financial documents. Secret stock purchase agreements. Recorded phone calls. Irrefutable evidence of Father’s secret dealings.
ANNA: I skimmed the papers, my voice trembling with shock. “This is… Father secretly bought back small shares from minority shareholders over years? And transferred voting rights to a trust fund?”
JOHNSON: “That’s right. That trust fund was in your name. You’re its legal manager. He did this a long time ago, through many small, quiet transactions, so no one would suspect. He always said, ‘Anna is the only one I can trust to protect my legacy completely and correctly.'”
In the folder, I found an old, carefully sealed envelope. Inside, a handwritten letter from Father. His handwriting was shaky, but every word held a strange power, a fierce determination.
ANNA: I read, my voice choked, tears streaming down my face. Not from weakness, but from understanding, from gratitude. “Anna, my dear daughter. If you are reading this letter, I am probably no longer with you. I know your mother and Maya are ambitious, but they have lost their way. They don’t understand the true value of this family and this business. I prepared Project Phoenix to protect you and what we built with blood and tears. You are the only one who can see the whole picture. Smart enough, resilient enough, kind enough to run Chen Innovations. Don’t doubt yourself. Don’t give up. You must fight for the truth, for what I painstakingly built. You must stand up, Anna. I trust you, more than anyone else in this world.”
Tears flowed. Father knew. He had prepared a path for me to fight, to protect what he believed in me. The pain of losing him mixed with the strength from his trust. That became my biggest drive.
The folder also held a small, black USB stick. Looked ordinary.
ANNA: I plugged the USB into the computer, my voice trembling. “What is this?”
Mr. Johnson was silent. He just nodded, his face full of sympathy. I opened the file. It was recordings of Helen and Maya talking. Those sneaky conversations I’d only caught snippets from outside Mother’s office. But these recordings were so much more detailed. Their words are sharp, full of clear calculation.
HELEN’S VOICE in the recording: Triumphant, a bit louder than normal. “The plan is perfect. Anna’s too naive. She has no idea how many shares we’ve taken over. The CEO position? It’s yours, Maya. I’ll make sure.”
MAYA’S VOICE in the recording: She giggled, contemptuously. “And Daniel? He’ll be mine too. Anna’s too simple. He’ll get bored of her fast.”
HELEN’S VOICE in the recording: “Exactly. She’ll be totally out. Out of the company, out of our lives. Everything will be perfect, just as we want. Liam can’t do anything now.”
Horror surged through me. Those words. Those vicious schemes. From my own mother and sister. Irrefutable proof. Laying bare the harsh truth.
ANNA: “They… they did this to my father? They… pushed him into this state?”
JOHNSON: “Mr. Liam also recorded his final confrontations with Mrs. Helen in his personal diary. She put immense pressure on him. Constantly pushing him to give up control. Perhaps that was part of why he couldn’t recover, Miss Anna. He fought until the very end.”
My heart broke. But the pain quickly turned into a raging fire. The betrayal, the cruelty, all laid bare. Then, a cold determination replaced everything. I wouldn’t let them win. I would fight. Not just for myself, but for my father. For his legacy.
The internal struggle reached its peak. I couldn’t just sit and watch everything fall apart. I had to act. I had to confront them.
The air in the meeting room was electric. Tense. The board members—Helen, Maya, big shareholders—sat grimly, calculating faces. I stood outside with Daniel. He looked at me, worried but trusting.
DANIEL: He looked at me, voice soft. “Are you ready, Anna? This will be a tough fight.”
ANNA: I took a deep breath. Nodded. My eyes are firm. “More than ever, Daniel. I won’t let my father down.”
We walked in. Every eye immediately snapped to us. Especially me. Helen and Maya looked surprised, disdainful. Like I was an alien crashing their party.
HELEN: She forced a smile, trying to hide her shock. “Anna, what are you doing here? This vote doesn’t concern you. This is for senior shareholders and the executive board.”
ANNA: My voice was clear, confident. It echoed through the room. “To the board members, to Mother, to Sister. I am here not just as the Head of Finance for Chen Innovations, but as the holder of the largest voting rights in this company.”
The room erupted. Whispers. Helen and Maya’s faces drained of color. Maya’s smile disappeared.
MAYA: Her eyes were furious, voice was panicking. “What nonsense are you talking about, Anna? The voting rights belong to Mother! You have no right here!”
ANNA: I picked up the “Project Phoenix” folder. Placed it squarely on the table in front of Helen. “My father, Liam Chen, foresaw this. He secretly set up a trust fund, transferring most of the voting shares to it. And I am the legal manager of this fund. It’s all here in these contracts, confirmed by Lawyer Johnson.”
I opened the folder. The documents are visible. Board members started murmuring, some grabbing papers to look at. Helen and Maya stood frozen. Stunned.
HELEN: “No! He… he did this?”
ANNA: I looked straight into Mother’s eyes. My gaze is cold. “Father did what he had to do. To protect his legacy from those who aren’t worthy. And to protect me.”
MAYA: Absolutely furious. Her hands clenched. “You’re slandering! This is your scheme! Daniel, you can’t believe her! She’s trying to manipulate everyone!”
Daniel stepped forward. I stood beside me. His eyes were firm.
DANIEL: His voice was decisive. It resonated through the room. “Ladies and gentlemen, I, Daniel Lee, as the CEO of Lee Holdings and a crucial strategic partner of Chen Innovations, confirm Anna shared this information. I’ve also independently verified the authenticity of the Project Phoenix documents. The shareholder bribery scheme and internal conspiracies are clearly recorded in Mr. Liam Chen’s personal diary.”
I held up the USB stick. My eyes are sharp on Helen and Maya. A silent accusation.
ANNA: My voice was unwavering. Fearless. “And I have proof. Direct proof. Of Mother and Sister’s conversations about removing me from the company. About bribing shareholders. Even the plot to charm Daniel for personal gain. Everything is clearly recorded.”
Helen and Maya went pale. No excuses left. The board members stared at them. Skeptical. Disgusted.
HELEN: “This is fake! Anna, you’re destroying our family! You’re ruining everything!”
ANNA: “No, Mother. Father built this family with integrity, with trust and love. And you and your sister destroyed it with greed. Now, justice. I demand an immediate vote of confidence for the CEO position. And I will nominate myself.”
The room was frozen. My mother and sister stared at me, their eyes filled with hatred, hostility. But I wasn’t scared anymore. I would fight. Not just for me, but for Father. For his legacy. My heart hurt, but my will was stronger than ever.
The vote happened. With Father’s trust fund voting rights and Daniel’s strong support, I won by a landslide. Helen and Maya? Kicked out of executive positions. Their reputations shattered. Lost their standing in Chicago business. I felt no triumph. Just a deep sadness. My family is broken. But I knew I did the right thing. I kept my promise to Father.
As the new CEO, I started rebuilding Chen Innovations. I worked non-stop. Applied all my finance and management knowledge. Daniel helped immensely. He wasn’t just a business partner. He was a trusted companion. We overcame challenges together. Rebuilt shareholder confidence. Got the company back on Father’s desired track: transparent, ethical, sustainable.
ANNA: In a meeting with Daniel. “Daniel, I want to thank you for everything. Without you, I don’t know what I would’ve done. You gave me strength.”
DANIEL: “You don’t need to thank me, Anna. You’re strong. You have vision. I was just there to support someone worthy. Chen Innovations is stronger than ever. That’s because of you.”
I returned to my art. I started painting again. Not to escape reality or pain. But to express my growth. My inner strength. My paintings weren’t sad sunsets anymore. They were vibrant sunrises. Full of hope. Bright colors. Positive energy. I started a small fund in Father’s name, the Liam Chen Fund. It supports struggling young artists. I shared some of the company’s profits with hospitals researching strokes. It was my way to honor Father. My way to turn pain into something good for society.
Through all this, I learned something. Family isn’t just blood. Family is people who trust you. Support you. Go through everything with you. Daniel? He’s part of my new family. We’re not just business partners. We’re close friends. We share everything. Our relationship grew naturally. Based on respect and understanding.
A few years passed. Chen Innovations, under my leadership, became a top tech company in Chicago. Even nationally. I had a small solo art exhibition at a contemporary art gallery downtown. My paintings were there. Each one a story. An emotion. A journey of growth. Daniel stood beside me. His eyes were so proud. More than after closing big deals.
DANIEL: He took my hand, his voice soft. “You did it, Anna. Your father would be so proud. Of the company. Of the values you bring.”
ANNA: I smiled brightly, looking at him. “Yes. I think so too. Daniel, thank you for believing in me. Even when I didn’t believe in myself. Even when everyone else turned their backs.”
DANIEL: He squeezed my hand gently, his eyes warm. “You don’t need to thank me, Anna. I always saw the real potential in you. And I want to keep building amazing things with you. In business. In life. We still have so much to do.”
Our eyes met. A deep understanding. A genuine connection beyond business. I knew my life had truly begun. Not with past suffering. But with resilience. Growth. A bright future I built myself. With the person who trusted me. Who walked with me every step.
ANNA: I looked out the big window of the gallery. Afternoon sun streamed down on bustling Chicago streets. Reflecting off skyscrapers. “I found peace, Daniel. I found my family. Not by blood. But by sincere hearts.”
And that’s the truth. I found peace. Not by forgetting the painful past, or pretending it didn’t happen. But by facing it. Accepting it. Turning the pain into strength. To build a better future. Not just for me. For others too. My story proves the human spirit’s resilience. The power of true love. It can overcome any scheme, any betrayal. And ultimately, bring justice and peace to a deeply hurt soul.