Michael laughed at that, and the sound broke something tight in the room, some last thread of tension finally releasing.
“So what happens now?” he asked.
“Now, Jessica’s parents will treat you with the respect you’ve always deserved. You’ll plan a wedding. I’ll probably end up investing in Richard’s project, because honestly, it really is a solid deal underneath all the drama. And maybe someday, when you have kids of your own, you’ll finally understand why I did all of this the way I did.”
“And your money? All of it?”
“Some will go toward hospitals and schools, in your mother’s name, the way it’s always been meant to. Some will be yours, eventually, when I’m gone. But most of it will just keep doing what it’s always done — growing, working, helping somewhere out in the world. Money isn’t meant to be hoarded, son. It’s meant to be put to use for something good.”
