«Take the bus. We’re buying your brother a Tesla,» Dad said. At graduation, the dean announced, «And now, our youngest billionaire graduate…» My parents dropped their programs…

Would you have believed me? I asked quietly. When I tried to tell you about my first company, you told me to focus on finding a husband. When I mentioned my tech projects, Dad suggested I get a real job like Andrew.

My phone buzzed another stock alert. Walker Tech had jumped another 12% since the graduation announcement. I wanted to prove something, I continued.

Not just to you, but to everyone who thinks success only looks one way. While you were all focused on appearances, I was focused on innovation. Dad stepped forward, his voice uncharacteristically humble.

Olivia, we were wrong. I know, I smiled. But that’s not why I did this.

I did it because I saw a future nobody else could see. The fact that it finally made you notice me, that’s just a bonus. Andrew was still staring at my Bugatti.

All those times I offered you rides. I had a driver, I shrugged. And this car.

And that one. I pointed to the McLaren parked nearby. And a few others.

But watching you all think I couldn’t afford basic transportation? That was educational. A group of tech executives approached, waiting to speak with me. The Wall Street Journal article had gone viral.

And my phone wouldn’t stop buzzing with congratulations and partnership offers. I have meetings, I told my family. But let’s have dinner tonight.

I’ll send my jet to pick up Grammy, she’s known about this all along. She was my first investor. Grammy knew.

Mom gasped. Of course she did. She actually asked what I was doing with my life instead of telling me what I should be doing…