After receiving another rejection email, Colin’s frustration boiled over. He vented his anger on an elderly man struggling at a grocery store. The next day, he learned that the man he had mocked was actually his new boss, setting him on a journey of growth, challenges, and unexpected lessons.

“Another rejection,” Colin muttered, slamming his laptop shut. Months of applying to investors for his tech start-up had led to nothing but rejections. His dream of creating his own business was slipping away.

His office was cluttered with empty coffee mugs and overflowing ashtrays, reflecting his mounting frustration. He could still hear his father’s voice, warning him that business was not for dreamers and that he should pursue a more stable career in law, like the rest of the family. Despite their disapproval, Colin had chosen to follow his passion, switching from law school to business school.

Now, his savings were running out, bills were piling up, and the weight of his family’s disappointment hung over him.

Sighing, he grabbed his keys and left. The grocery store was a brief escape from his troubles. He picked up his usual cereal but was annoyed to find his favorite rye bread out of stock.

At the self-checkout, Colin’s patience wore thin when an older man struggled with scanning his groceries. The man had a warm smile, but his hands fumbled with the machine. Colin, growing increasingly irritated, sarcastically suggested the man use a regular register instead.

The elderly man, now looking slightly embarrassed, apologized gently, but Colin didn’t hold back. “Technology isn’t for everyone,” he remarked dismissively, watching the man’s smile fade.

Feeling a flicker of guilt, Colin left the store, but the encounter stayed with him. As he drove home, he couldn’t help but feel bad for his harsh words, especially since he himself struggled to get his tech start-up off the ground.

The next morning, as Colin was still reeling from more rejection emails, his office door suddenly swung open, and three sharply dressed men walked in. One of them, a lawyer he vaguely recognized, introduced himself as Mr. Davies, representing Mr. Cleary, the elderly man from the grocery store.

Colin’s heart raced when he realized the older man was not just a shopper, but a powerful business figure. Mr. Cleary, now standing confidently, was there to discuss investing in Colin’s company.

A whirlwind of negotiations followed. Colin was offered a lifeline—Mr. Cleary would invest, but on the condition that Colin would give up ownership and stay on as Chief Technology Officer. It wasn’t the dream scenario, but Colin was desperate and agreed.

The next years were a grueling test of Colin’s abilities. Mr. Cleary was demanding and critical, pushing him harder than he ever imagined. One particularly harsh review left Colin humiliated. Mr. Cleary didn’t mince words. “You’re out of your depth,” he said. “Either you sink or swim in this game.”

Despite the constant pressure, Colin refused to quit. He poured himself into his work, learning new skills, adapting to the demands, and pushing the company forward. Gradually, he found his rhythm. The company began to thrive, and Colin was promoted to CEO, though his relationship with Mr. Cleary remained professional, built on mutual respect rather than friendship.

Then, months later, Colin learned that Mr. Cleary had passed away. Mr. Davies arrived with a letter from Cleary, revealing that the elderly man had seen potential in him from the very beginning. He had taken a chance on Colin when no one else did, and now, the company and Cleary’s asset management firm were his to lead.

Reading the letter, Colin was overcome with emotion. Mr. Cleary had pushed him, yes, but also believed in him. He had nurtured him when Colin didn’t even realize it.

As the new CEO, Colin now had the responsibility to lead an empire, a daunting but thrilling task. Looking out at the city skyline, he thought back to his younger self—angry, arrogant, and frustrated—and the man who he had become.

“Thank you, Mr. Cleary,” he whispered, grateful for the lessons and the trust that had been placed in him. It was a reminder to use his power wisely, just as Mr. Cleary had done for him.