3 Forbes' Editor in Chief

Chapter 3: Forbes' Editor in chief

"This is the second time in a row that my name has been excluded from the Forbes’ list of billionaires in the United States of America," Matthew Hunter complained to Clementine as he read the magazine he was holding in his hand for the second time in a row.

"Maybe they don't consider your wealth to be genuine," Clementine suggested, trying to piss her father off.

"But, that is untrue. I have worked very hard to be where I am today in life. Even though, it is common for a man of my calibre to be involved in some shady business some times, the larger part of my wealth has come from honest negotiations. I am a clean businessman with a big heart for Legal practice, contract, legal practice, tourism and the beauty of nature. 

I see no reason why Forbes magazine would exclude my name from a list of the wealthiest men in this country."

"Maybe they hate your guts and are too afraid to tell you straight in your face that they are not pleased with your accomplishments, and they want you to stop breaking new grounds and expanding your business as if you own the market and everyone around you."

"I highly doubt that," Mr. Matthew said confidently once Clementine was done with her meaningless analysis. "I know what to do this time. I will contact their editor-in-chief and complain to him about my situation. 

I deserve to be treated with the respect that I truly deserve. All my years of working hard to improve the economy of this great country shall not go unrecorded for the second time in a year. I shall make sure that I get the kind of honor that I deserve."

"And what do you have in mind? Walking straight to the office of Forbes’ editor-in-chief and then tell him or her that you are displeased with their constant neglectful act towards you, and it is affecting your public image badly?"

"Yes, Clementine! That is what I am going to do. I am going to walk straight to the man or woman's office and tell him or her what has been going on in my mind since I started reading the magazine today."

"And how certain are you that Forbes has an editor-in-chief?"

Mr. Matthew laughed, then smiled. "Every magazine or newspaper company has an editor-in-chief. There is always someone sitting on a throne, endorsed with the power to decide what goes in and out of the written work. 

And my job is to find the person who is endorsed with the responsibility to decide the fate of Forbes magazine."

"That is good to know, Dad," Clementine confessed. "But, I am not sure you are going to be lucky this time. 

I mean, we are talking of the largest magazine on earth when it comes to detailing wealth. 

If they feel you are unworthy to grace their list, why waste your time trying to convince them that you are indeed worthy and that you made all your money from hard work? To me, I consider it highly unnecessary to persuade people to give you some level of acknowledgments when they are truly aware that you deserve it."

Mr. Matthew thought about Clementine’s words for a while then bit his lips. "I think you are right about what you just said.

 I know I am a billionaire. It is left for them to figure out if I am really a billionaire or not. 

If I decide to visit their editor-in-chief as I said I would, it may possibly damage my reputation that I have worked very hard to build these years. That is something I don't want to happen. 

I prefer to hide my pride inside of me and still cling on to my honor. There will be more recognition coming my way if I can decide to be a philanthropist and just focus my life on helping people while also running my business."

"That sounds like a very good idea, Dad," Clementine smiled. "So, what charity organization do you have in mind?"

"None yet," Mr. Matthew confessed. "I just came up with the idea now. I am yet to start looking for a way to evenly disperse my wealth for a good cause. It will take a bit of time, you know. You just have to be patient with your father as you always have been."

"You know I can do that," Clementine said, smiling.

Mr. Matthew agreed with her totally as he thought of his time in France when he saw an elevator climbing the north pillar of the Eiffel Tower with an overflowing crowd of tourists, staring at the pride of Paris.

"You look worried, Dad," Clementine said, startling Mr. Matthew. "You should have some rest and eat some good food before leaving for your business meeting today. Good health is always important than good business meetings."

"I am okay," Mr. Matthew answered, struggling to hide his tiredness. "And I will eat once I am done meeting a very important young man who I plan to do business with. He is charming and very considerate."

Clementine moved closer. "I thought by now you would have gotten over this young charming man shit, Dad." She brushed his cheek affectionately. 

"I would have followed up with my initial plan if you hadn't written your desire to get a husband at the top of your list. You can't just blame me for being so affectionate most of the time. 

And the young man I want to see is someone who is very interested in moving forward. He is calm, reserved, focused and above all, single. You could try to look into his eyes and see how kind he is."

"You could also be ironically confusing his subtleness with kindness," Clementine suggested. 

"I highly doubt that," Mr. Matthew laughed slowly. "Noah Hudson is an ambitious young man with a strong love for Legal practice and hard work."

"Is that his name?" Clementine asked, suddenly sounding interested.

"Yes! You should meet him one day. I think he will also like you because I know you already like him."