Angela’s phone lit up at 2:47 AM with the algorithmic cruelty of social media, pushing content it decided she'd find engaging. It was a photo of Charlie Maxwell and Sophia Kensington at the Metropolitan Museum's charity gala.Sophia wore midnight blue silk that probably cost more than Angela's entire wardrobe. Her hand rested naturally on Charlie's arm. The caption mentioned their families' new business partnership, their presence among New York's elite.Angela stared until her eyes burned. Sophia Kensington wasn't just beautiful, she was accomplished. Someone who was everything Angela had pretended to be.She scrolled, finding more photos. Charlie and Sophia at conferences. At university functions. At restaurants Angela recognized from gossip sites, places where reservations required connections she'd never possess.They looked perfect together. Matched. Like two pieces of a puzzle meant to fit.Her phone buzzed again. Jim Grant's name appeared, and she read the message.We need to

Crystal chandeliers bathed the Maxwell Corporation gala ballroom in molten gold, each one a quiet boast of excess. The annual shareholder celebration felt less like a party and more like a coronation. One year since Charlie’s public revelation. One year since the press conference that reordered American corporate power. One year since everything broke and reformed.Charlie stood at the podium, twenty-two now, ease settling on him like tailored silk beneath his Tom Ford tuxedo. The men and women who’d once whispered nepotism and incompetence now leaned forward, attentive in the way only humbled power knows how to be.“Maxwell Corporation exceeded growth projections by thirty-eight percent,” Charlie said, voice steady, unburdened. “Twelve major acquisitions. Three new markets. Shareholder returns outperforming the S&P 500 by twenty-two points.”Applause rippled through the crowd of executives, investors, and business elite who'd traveled from three continents for this event. Cameras fla

The reception was held at the Maxwell estate's conservatory, a glass-enclosed space overlooking manicured gardens where winter light filtered through geometric panes. Caterers moved efficiently, setting up tables with white linens and arrangements of white roses. All, Claire's favorite.Joseph White coordinated everything, including the detail that would make this memorial complete: consequence embodied in service.The Grants arrived at noon, three hours before guests, wearing the same server's uniform they'd worn at previous Maxwell events. Black vest, white shirt, and black pants. Joseph gathered them in the service hallway, his voice carrying absolute authority."You're here because your employment contract requires service at Maxwell Corporation events. This memorial is a Maxwell Corporation function. Today, you will serve mourners honoring the woman you destroyed."Charles flinched. Claudia's jaw clenched. Jim and Jey stared at the floor."You will be professional, courteous, a

At seven a.m the next morning, a text came in, interrupting Charlie's morning review of quarterly projections.Take the day off. That's an order, not a suggestion. Bring your friends. We're going fishing. - GrandfatherCharlie stared at the message, then at the spreadsheets waiting on his laptop. Marcus had scheduled three meetings. Diana needed acquisition approvals. The board expected preliminary Q1 reports.His phone buzzed again.The meetings can wait. Your youth and I, can't. - GTwenty minutes later, Charlie stood in his apartment calling people who'd become experts at answering his summons despite impossible schedules."Fishing?" Daniel's voice carried sleepy confusion. "It's Tuesday. I have class.""Skip it," Charlie said. "My grandfather insisted. When George Maxwell insists, you comply.""Fair point. What time?"Jacy answered on the first ring, her CEO efficiency evident even at dawn. "Charlie? Is something wrong?""No. Actually, something's right. We're taking a day off. Fi

The pool complex sprawled beyond the main house, separated by manicured gardens and a stone pathway that wound through sculpted hedges. Charlie led them toward it, the afternoon sun climbing toward its peak, warmth suggesting swimming despite January's theoretical chill."Heated year-round," Charlie explained as they approached the enclosure. "Grandfather insisted. Said wealthy people shouldn't suffer seasonal limitations."The pool itself was Olympic-length, its surface rippling gently from the circulation system. Glass walls could retract completely in summer, but remained closed now, creating a greenhouse effect that made the space tropical. Palm trees in massive planters lined one side. Lounge chairs clustered near the shallow end. A hot tub bubbled at the far corner."This is obscene," Daniel said, but he was already pulling off his shirt. "I love it."Jacy had worn a swimsuit under her clothes, anticipating this possibility. She emerged from the changing cabana in a simple black