“After everything that happened with Lessie, we realized we can’t just sit back and let life pass us by anymore.”

    Karen nodded in agreement, while Alessia looked a little confused.

    “Ever since The Morton Group went under, I’ve been bitter about it, but there wasn’t much I could do. I kept telling myself I’d start over, but when your whole world’s in pieces, you don’t even know where to begin. I just didn’t have the energy or resources I had when I was younger. Eventually, reality hit me hard. I tried finding a regr job, thought I could just live an ordinary life, but doors kept closing on me wherever I went.”

    Those first months after the bankruptcy were the darkest days of Brendan’s life. He’d dreamed of making aeback, but the fire and funds were gone. The setbacks piled up, and the idea of starting over seemed impossible. If it hadn’t been for his family’s support and encouragement, he might have given up altogether.

    “Then Lessiè came along, and slowly, things started turning around. The house felt warmer, life got a little easier… Your mom’s cooking and Lessie’s shop kept us afloat. I finally had something to do, even if it was just helping your mom out at the restaurant and taking some of the weight off her shoulders. But sometimes! wondered–maybe I’m the most useless one in the family after all.”

    “Dadi…” /iEthan and the others stared at him, surprised to hear him talk this way.

    Brendan just waved them off with a small smile. “I know you don’t see me like that. I’m just overthinking it. Honestly, I’ve made peace with the idea of running the little diner with your mom ifor /ithe rest of our days. Watching you kids grow into your own people has made us proud,”

    Karen nodded, absentmindedly running her thumb over the contract in her hand. Her other hand squeezed Brendan’s gently.

    “But after what happened to Lessie, it hit us–our own family ended up being mocked, and as parents, we let it happen…”

    i“/iiSo/i, we talked it over and decided it’s time to expand. We want to turn the restaurant into a chain. Someone actually came by a while ago–wanted to partner up. We turned him down at first, but he left his business card and said we could call if we ever changed our minds.”

    As Brendan spoke, he pulled the card from his pocket and ced it on the table.

    b09:57 /b

    Chapter b313 /b

    Alessia nced at it. “I know this guy. He’s an investor, a bit entric. He only backs things he personally likes, but he’s got a hand in just about every industry. If he’s interested in the restaurant, getting a chain off the ground won’t be a problem.”

    “We did our homework on him, so that part’s sorted.”

    “But with expansiones the need for branding, merchandise, all that. If we’re going to scale up, we’ll need a reliable partner for production.”

    “I’ve already thought of that too,” Brendan said. “I reached out to an old friend who runs a factory. I’ve toured the ce–top–notch equipment, efficient production lines. Everything checks out.”

    He might have lost The Morton Group, but Brendan’s instincts and experience as a founder were still sharp. Years of entrepreneurship meant he knew ihow /ito cover all the angles.

    “So…”

    “Dad, just go for it,” Ethan said, picking up the business card and twirling it between his fingers. “If you let one failure scare you off, that’s not the dad I know. Haven’t you always told us life’s about fighting for what matters, never giving up? Don’t tell me you’re the one backing down now.”

    “Yeah, our diner’s already got its own ir. Lately, we’ve even had peopleing in to check us out because of all the buzz. Let’s seize the moment and go big. I’ll be the family’s brand ambassador, free of charge,” Liam joked, lightening the mood around the table.

    “I’ll brew up some iced tea and set it out by the door,” Karen chimed in. “It’ll be a treat for people passing by–and maybe draw in a few new customers.”

    Ivan raised his hand. “I… can paint.”

    Alessiaughed, teasing, “If everyone’s got a role, I guess it’s my turn to be the useless one now, huh?” echoing Brendan’s earlier words.