The Businessman's Daughter ✔️ (Wattpad version)

Host program

Lexie

I got through the rest of my senior year the best I could. I was hoping the exchange program would accept me this upcoming year. It was a program I applied for and put on a list because it was full. I would receive credit for school, plus learn a foreign language better. It would help when I became a chef. I know, shocking.

The business world wasn't for me, and I enjoyed cooking. During the summers we spent in Spain, Martina would allow me to help her prepare food in the kitchen. I fell in love with the culinary arts during the summers I would spend there.

When I spoke to my parents about my decision, they didn't argue with me about it. It relieved them I chose a different path. I know Dad was happy about that. It was less worry unleashing me to the sharks.

Next week I graduate, and this fall, I start culinary school. Since I had heard nothing about the host program, I figured I didn't get into it. It's another disappointment to add to my life.

I studied for my exams when I heard a knock at the door. I looked up to see Dad standing there, holding an envelope. He walked into my bedroom.

"I know this year was difficult for you, and it changed our relationship. As a parent, you hope not to make the same mistakes as your parents did. With that, you overcompensate and hurt your children. I know I can't change what happened, but I can work at making it better with your happiness," Dad said as I looked at him. He handed me an envelope which I took, then left the bedroom.

I looked at the envelope, and it was from the exchange program. I tore it open and removed the letter, reading through it. I couldn't believe the program accepted me. It was the most demanding program to enter, and the program chooses a few people.

It had all the information about the program, lodging, meals, expenses, and paid in full. I looked at the receipt with Dad's signature. I was hoping for help, so I didn't have to rely on my dad, but he paid for everything.

I got up and went downstairs, then into the kitchen to find Dad with Mom as they were drinking coffee. Then I did one thing I knew my dad needed. I walked over and hugged him as he hugged me back.

I pulled back and looked at him. "You didn't have to do this. I could have waited until they had an opening," I told him.

"Lexie, I didn't have to, but I wanted to do this," Dad said.

I looked at him.

"I realize sometimes you have to see the bigger picture with the people you love. I had worried about protecting you. I forgot about your happiness," Dad admitted as I looked at him with compassion.

As angry as I was with my dad, I understand why he did what he did. I didn't then, but I do now.

"I love you, Dad," I said as I hugged him.

Dad hugged me back. "I love you, Lexie," he said as we hugged. No matter what happens, I love my parents and always will.

Quinn

I studied for finals at the table when Gretchen set a cup of coffee down in front of me. I looked at her and smiled. She sat down at the table with me.

"We haven't discussed what happened," Gretchen mentioned.

"What's there to discuss? My parents would sacrifice me for money," I said as Gretchen looked at me with concern. "I don't understand how people who claim to love you would do that?" I asked as my brows furrowed.

Two people who pretended to love me made a terrible decision because of money. The worst part is that I didn't hate them, but it made me lose trust in people.

"Quinn, as parents, we don't always make the best decisions and hope one day our children understand. Your parents didn't feel they had a choice, but the truth is we always have a choice. Right or wrong, we have a choice," Gretchen reasoned.

"Thank you," I said.

"For what?" She asked.

"For giving me a chance to finish school and not sending me to foster care. You didn't have to give me a home, but you did," I answered.

"Joe and I decided a long time ago that we would help people. He saw too many people throw their life away because they didn't have a choice. When Joe met Lacey, he knew she was someone that needed help," Gretchen said as I smiled.

"I like that," I said.

"Like what?" Joe said as he walked into the kitchen. He kissed Gretchen.

"The idea of helping people," I answered as Joe looked at me. "I know most people go to college. After what happened, I want to do something different, and I wanted to know your thoughts."

Joe sat down at the table, and I explained what I would do with my life. It impressed them with my decision. It wasn't something I didn't know. I didn't want to be that helpless person and wanted to help others.

Lexie showed me you could be selfless and risk your life for others. That's why she's my best friend. She would sacrifice her life for others.

I spoke with Joe and Gretchen, then went back to studying. We had one week left of school before we graduated. I had a feeling the future would be intense. Something told me I would encounter someone I least expected and help another person.

Sergio

After Joe dropped off his report, I finished mine and handed it in, closing the case. There are other cases to focus on, and I sat there, sorting through files. Another agent walked in and handed me a folder.

"What's this?" I asked.

"Something that will interest you," the agent mentioned as I opened it and started reading. The agent left as I leaned back in my chair, reading the information.

I laid the paper down on the desk and rubbed my chin. Is it possible? I'm learning anything is possible as an agent for Homeland Security.

My phone rang, and I answered it as the person on the other end spoke. I listened and having a conversation with the person. After speaking, I hung up the phone and pulled out my cell phone, sending a text message.

The other person opened their phone and read the message.

I have an assignment for you - details to follow.

I put my phone away as I planned for an agent. If everything worked out the way it would, there would be one more case. Then I was retiring. I'm too old for this, and it's time to hand over the reins to someone I know who could do the job.

When you train the right agents, they can make a difference. It's the hope that one day, there won't be any more human trafficking; until then, we would keep training people.