Who Would Ever Fall In Love With Him?

A YEAR AND A HALF EARLIER

Richard Steele was a planner. Always had been. But he couldn't have planned his way out of this one and was unexpectedly furious about it. 

Normally, he didn't experience emotions more intense than annoyance. He always kept his cool. He had barely managed not to scream at his grandfather about how unfair it was while they were at lunch and keep things pleasant. 

The old coot. He had such outdated ideas!

Double standards too. How was it fair that he wouldn't give the company to Richard unless he was married with a family but would give it to his playboy cousin Bradford without having to jump through the same hoops? 

Everyone knew that Richard was the better candidate! He had begun creating his own business network when he was still in high school and now he was probably the most well-connected man in New York City. 

"Why doesn't Brad have to get married?" he had asked calmly despite seething on the inside.