Chapter 4 - I DIDN’T KILL HIS DEAL
The satisfying version of this story would be simple.
Richard insulted my son.
I revealed I controlled the company he needed.
Then I destroyed him.
That is not what happened.
For two reasons.
First, Riverside was not entirely my money.
Our investors included pension funds and long-term partners.
I had fiduciary responsibilities.
I did not get to punish somebody using other people’s capital because he was rude to my child.
Second, Michael would have hated it.
After the meeting, he found me outside near the harbor windows.
“Dad.”
“Yes?”
“You’re not killing Riverside because of me.”
“I know.”
He studied my face.
“You mean that?”
“Yes.”
“Because I know your revenge face.”
“I don’t have a revenge face.”
“You absolutely do.”
Jessica joined us.
Her eyes were red.
“I’m sorry.”
I looked at her.
“For what?”
“My father.”
“You didn’t move the plate.”
She almost smiled.
Michael took her hand.
“I’m going home with Jessica.”
“Good.”
He hesitated.
“Dad?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t save me either.”
I knew what he meant.
Do not turn this into a display where his father’s fortune restored his dignity.
Richard said Michael could not afford Jessica.
The correct response was not:
Actually, his father is rich.
That would accept Richard’s premise that a man’s value came from money.
So I did exactly what Michael asked.
I kept the two matters separate.
Personally, Richard Caldwell had embarrassed himself.
Professionally, Caldwell Atlantic still had to pass investment review.
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Unfortunately for Richard, the deal already had problems.
Problems that existed before he touched Michael’s dinner plate.
