A Baxter's Redemption. Patricia Johns

James replied.

      “And in the food industry?”

      “More than that.” He was doing Isabel a favor by not mentioning the number.

      “Chocolate is a niche market,” Mr. Baxter said, wiping his lips on a napkin. “It’s high cost, low margin. The real estate market has the highest rates of success.”

      “I’m aware of that, Dad,” Isabel replied stiffly.

      “Now, James, if you were to advise my little girl about starting up a business, what would you tell her?” Mr. Baxter asked.

      Isabel turned her glittering eyes to him, daring him to speak. He could feel the repressed rage radiating from her, and he had to swallow twice before he spoke.

      “I’d tell her to ask her father’s advice,” he replied cautiously.

      “Aha! Smart man.” Mr. Baxter chuckled. “Pass the green beans, please, Britney.”

      Britney passed the dish, and he helped himself to another serving.

      “And you would tell her to ask my advice because I’ve made money, right? Because it takes a success to know how to be successful.”

      “You’ve also lost money,” Isabel countered. “You went bankrupt when you and Mom first got married.”

      Mr. Baxter’s eyes darkened, and he dropped the spoon back into the bowl with a clatter. Red crept up his neck and into his cheeks. James had never seen Mr. Baxter openly challenged before, and he found himself mildly concerned that the older man might pop a blood vessel.

      “I paid for this home, for every stitch of clothing you ever wore, for all of your beauty contest coaching, for your vacations, your hobbies, your shiny Yale education...and you dare throw my failures in my face?” He sucked in a breath through his nose. “I’m your father, and you don’t have a penny except by what I’ve earned! Show some respect, young lady!”