Rich Old Man Dresses as Homeless and Visits Huge Grocery Store to Determine His Heir

Mr. Larry Hutchins, who had just turned 90, never considered making a will. One day, he dressed as a homeless man and visited his grocery store to find his next recipient of his estate. However, it proved to be a difficult task.

He was 90 years old, wealthy, and owned the largest grocery store in Texas. Physically, he was quite appealing for his age, with hazel eyes and hair that had a silver sheen, but his busy business life left him no time to charm anyone. As a result, he had no wife or children.

As Mr. Hutchins aged, the idea of not having an heir started to bother him. Who will inherit my property if I pass away? he wondered one day.

He wasn't the type to donate everything to charity because he wanted it to go to someone who would truly value it. Giving everything to a friend was another choice, but Mr. Hutchins wasn't interested, knowing you often have more enemies than friends in business and having learned that lesson the hard way.

When he ran out of options, he called his lawyer, Mr. William Carter, and asked for advice. "What do you think, William?" Mr. Hutchins asked over the phone. "I've been thinking, but I can't decide."

"Well, Mr. Hutchins, it's unlikely you want to leave it to charity, so let's rule that out first. Do you have any distant relatives you know?"

"When you're orphaned early, no one wants your responsibility," Mr. Hutchins reflected. "I came to Texas with little, and it took me years to build what I have. I want to leave it to someone who truly understands its value, not just someone related by blood."

"Got it, sir. This isn't a typical case. I'll think about it and we can meet this Friday. By then, I should have some ideas."

"Alright, Will," Mr. Hutchins said and hung up. Based on William's response, he thought it would take him some time to figure out his plan.

The next day, Mr. Hutchins sat in his study with a notepad, listing potential heirs. Hours passed without adding any names.

Frustrated, he tossed his pen down and prepared to leave. Then, an idea came to him. What if I test my employees? he wondered. Maybe someone out there understands hard work and deserves my estate.

The following day, he dressed in his oldest clothes, bought a second-hand cane, and added a fake beard. He then headed to his grocery store.

"Go away, old man!" shouted Lincy, the cashier. "People like you aren't allowed here!"

"But ma'am, I just need a little food. I haven't eaten in days. Please help me," Mr. Hutchins begged.

"Then you're in the wrong place," she replied coldly. "Homeless folks like you beg outside on the streets. This store isn't for you."

Yikes, some of my employees are harsh. Maybe I’ll find my heir among the customers, he thought, wandering the aisles, but no luck.

"Who let this man in?" yelled a woman in line. "He smells like garbage meat!"

"Wait, don’t get too close," added another man. "He’s disgusting."

Before Mr. Hutchins could speak, a saleswoman stepped in. "You need to leave now. Our customers are upset, and we can't have this," she said. "And how did you even get in? Did the guards not stop you?"

"Yes, please, Linda," said Mr. Drummonds, a regular customer. "Remove him from sight, or I’ll never come back. Tell the guards not to let people like that inside."

"Sorry for the trouble, sir," Linda apologized. "I'll have him escorted out immediately."

Wow, this store really has some cold-hearted people, Mr. Hutchins thought as he prepared to leave. Suddenly, a voice called out from behind.

"Everyone, step away from the old man!"

He turned and saw Lewis, the store's youngest employee, standing there. He was about 25, a college dropout struggling financially.

"Lewis, do you think Mr. Hutchins would tolerate such a man in the store?" Lincy asked, surprised. "I don’t think so!"

"I know Mr. Hutchins better than you," Lewis replied firmly. "Get back to your work before I report this."

He then approached Mr. Hutchins, saying, "Please follow me, sir. Sorry for the disrespect from my staff."

Lewis took him inside, picked a basket, and filled it with groceries. After paying and handing over the supplies, Mr. Hutchins felt his eyes mist over. "Thank you, young man," he said softly. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course, sir," Lewis answered, smiling.

"Why did you stand up for a homeless man like me?" Mr. Hutchins asked, puzzled. "You could have ignored me, and nobody would have known."

Later, Lewis explained, "There was a time I came looking for work with nothing. I didn’t have a place to stay or experience. But Mr. Hutchins offered me a job and paid for a small apartment if I worked hard. That taught me the importance of kindness."

Mr. Hutchins smiled warmly. This is where your journey ends, Larry, he thought. You’ve found your heir. He thanked Lewis again and left.

Seven years later, after Mr. Hutchins passed away, Lewis received a call from Mr. Carter. He told Lewis that Mr. Hutchins had left him everything, along with a letter explaining his disguise and why he chose Lewis as his heir.