Chapter 16

Arthur

I had no idea that Claire would be so interesting. Gerald was a cold hard business tycoon, not much different than myself. So, I had thought that Claire would be the same.

In truth, the only reason that I had paid any attention to her at all in the beginning was because she was Gerald’s wife. I had thought that by learning more about her, I could get a better insight into the way that my business rival’s mind operated.

The sole purpose of my life has been to make more money and help other people.

“I have seen many men meet their demise,” my father had told me, “because they reveled in their luxury while others around them struggled. It is these kinds of people who are left with no motive in life.”

He had been in a hospital bed, an IV plugged into his arm.

“My son,” he had whispered, “Never become that way.”

He had passed away the next morning. I had been eleven.

My father had left me a large empire to begin with but, taking his advice and final wishes to heart, I had always str