After the distributors' conference, the tables turned completely.
"Bennett's Secret Recipe" exploded overnight, with orders backed up for 3 full years.
Vivian's products, meanwhile, started failing one after another. Without the core fermentation paste, the sauce couldn't maintain its quality, leaving the company on the hook for tens of millions of dollars in refunds and damages.
At the same time, the Bennett family's cash flow completely dried up. They officially entered bankruptcy liquidation.
*****
One afternoon, I was reviewing financial reports in my spacious, sunlit CEO's office when the front desk called.
"Ms. Bennett, there's an elderly couple downstairs claiming to be your parents. Security can't hold them back."
I set down my pen and rubbed the bridge of my nose. "Let them
