His father had been testing him, making sure he didn’t take the easy way out.

“There’s one more letter from your father,” Mr. Calloway said, handing it to him.

Eugene’s hands trembled as he opened it. The words inside made his stomach drop.

“You have disappointed me. You cannot spend money whose value you do not know.”

His heart pounded. “What…?”

Mr. Calloway chuckled. “That letter isn’t for you.”

Eugene blinked in confusion as the lawyer pulled out another envelope with his name on it.

“This is your letter.”

With a deep breath, Eugene opened it.

“I am proud of you. Now you know the value of this money.”

Tears stung his eyes as he clutched the letter.

Stepping outside, he inhaled the crisp afternoon air. The money could change his life—he could quit working, take it easy. But he knew he wouldn’t. His father had made sure of that.

Instead, he would build something of his own. A construction business. He would hire hardworking men like himself, create something lasting.

He glanced at the letter once more.

“I am proud of you.”

That meant more to him than the money ever could. This wasn’t just an inheritance.

It was a lesson. And he would honor it.