I am an orphan. At the age of 26, I lost my parents, Father Ramon and Mother Susan, due to a tragic bus accident. All I was left with was our old house in Bulacan and their life insurance and savings totaling 12 Million Pesos.

I am just a simple graphic designer. I am not used to handling that much money. I am scared. I might waste it, I might get robbed, or I might lose money if I do business without knowledge.

Out of fear, I looked for a financial advisor or accountant. On the internet, I saw the profile of Mr. Vico Salcedo. His credentials were great. He was wearing a suit, had many testimonials, and had an office in Makati.

I had a meeting with him.

“Arvin, son,” Mr. Salcedo began as he sipped his expensive coffee. “The 12 million, if you just put it in the bank, will just lie dormant. Inflation will just eat it up. What a waste of your parents’ hard work.”

He spoke very well. He showed me the charts and graphs.

“I have an exclusive investment fund,” he offered. “It’s called ‘Secure Future Yield’. We’ll invest in mixed real estate and foreign bonds. 15% monthly interest is guaranteed. Within five years, you’ll be a billionaire.”

I was ensnared by his sweet words. Who doesn’t want money to grow? And since he seemed professional, I trusted him.

“Okay, Sir Vico,” I said. “I want to grow it for Dad and me.”

“Excellent decision,” he smiled. He pulled out the contract. “You just need to transfer the full amount to our firm’s trust account tomorrow. I’ll take care of everything. You don’t have to worry about anything.”

I went home feeling relieved. I thought I was in good hands.

That night, while I was packing things in Dad’s room, I saw his old office. Dad Ramon used to have a small hardware store. He liked to write in his Blue Ledger or record book.

Out of sadness, I took out the old notebook. It smelled old, it smelled like Dad. I opened it just to feel his presence.

The first few pages were just an inventory list of nails and cement. But in the middle, I saw a section titled: “BUSINESS LESSONS.”

Page: SAY – Story Around You | Original story.

I read Dad’s handwriting.

“Arvin, son, if you read this one day, remember: Money is easy to earn, but it’s even easier to lose. Don’t believe in ‘easy money’. When it’s too good to be true, expect it to be a scam.”

I burst into tears. It was as if he was talking to me.

I turned the page. At the very end of the notebook, there was a list in red ink. The writing at the top: “PEOPLE WHO SHOULD NOT BE TRUST (BLACKLIST).”

This was Dad’s list of people who had cheated him or his business friends when he was alive.

I read the names:

Mario D. – the check bounced.

Contractor Lito – the downpayment was missed.

And at the third… I almost dropped the notebook. My whole body went cold.

3. VICENTE “VICO” SALCEDO – Former pyramid scam agent. Deceptive. Many businessmen went under in Bulacan in 2015. Changed their appearance and hid in Manila. BEWARE OF HIM.

My hand was shaking. Dad’s entry date was ten years ago. Dad knew Vico Salcedo! The man I was facing earlier who was offering “guaranteed returns” was the same man my father had labeled a fraud!

The next day, Vico called.

“Arvin! Good morning! Is the transfer ready? The bank is waiting so we can process it immediately.”

I took a deep breath. “Mr. Salcedo, let’s meet. I just need to clarify something in the contract.”

I went to his office. There was his smile again.

“What’s the problem, Arvin? Just sign and transfer, you’re rich,” he said.

I gently placed the Blue Ledger on top of his mahogany desk.

“What’s this?” he asked, frowning.

“That’s my father’s record book,” I answered bluntly. “Ramon. The hardware owner in Bulacan who you almost fooled in your pyramid scam ten years ago.”

Vico Salcedo turned pale. His professional poise was gone.

I opened the page where his name was written in red.

“It says here, I’m to be careful with you,” I said firmly. “Vicente Salcedo.”

He fell silent. I could see the fear in his eyes. He knew he was a fool.

“Arvin… it was just a misunderstanding…” he stammered out. “I was young then… it’s different now…”

“I won’t give you the 12 million,” I said, pulling out my check. “And I’ll make sure the authorities know that you’re still operating.”

I left his office with my head held high. As I exited the building, I hugged Dad’s Blue Ledger.

I was saved. Not because of my intelligence, but because of my parents’ love and reminder that even though they were gone,

y still protects me.

In the end, I put the money in legit banks and government bonds that, although they pay low interest, are safe and secure. I used the rest to revive Dad’s hardware store.

I didn’t become a billionaire in five years like the con man promised, but I did live a peaceful life, holding onto Dad and Mom’s most important legacy: The wisdom not to be swayed by the glitter of money.