Chapter 4: The Power of Wealth

"Who holds the power?" This question always looms large, explaining why even thirty years post-Civil War the South remains a Democratic stronghold.

In the dimming light of Arlington Cemetery, Annabelle stood solemnly before her husband's grave. "Your grandfather loved me in white dresses" she murmured, nostalgia tingeing her voice. "After he died, I never wore white again. To me ,he was a bold young farmer—confident, ordinary yet special. But our son…" Her lips tightened. "A playboy, My greatest failure. William ,At least you give me hope."

Sheffield swallowed, treading carefully. "Father… chose his path. Not everyone inherits Grandfather's daring or meets a woman like you." The words felt sycophantic but truthfully, Annabelle's iron grip had crushed any rebellious impulses. In another era, she'd have ruled as empress dowager.

"We found our heir in you," Annabelle declared, brushing aside her son's failings. "Let him rot in Paris. You'll surpass him." Her gaze sharpened. "Your studies ,completed?"

"Yes, though the degree's credibility is… flexible," Sheffield admitted. Leveraging family-funded "academia" he'd skipped basic education entirely, fast-tracking through courses tailored to his whims. Like choosing liberal arts over STEM when you own the university.

Annabelle waved off his modesty. "Sixteen and nearly graduated? Genius. We'll tout your 'prodigy' status, capture the public's imagination. In this gilded age, wealth is brilliance."

"Did you bully anyone?" she asked, approval warming her tone—a question only the rich could pose.

"Bully? My classmates were older!" Sheffield feigned innocence. "We got along splendidly. They admired my… exceptional qualities."

"Qualities?" Annabelle arched a brow.

"Financial persuasion." He grinned. "Turns out, being 'multitalented' in wealth makes one popular."

"Ah, the Sheffield charm—shameless, like your grandfather." A rare smile cracked her stern facade. "Your thesis? Historical fluff?"

"Environmentalism," Sheffield announced solemnly. "America's wildlife teeters on extinction. A crisis demanding action."

History could wait—he'd use it later to buff his legacy. For now, eco-advocacy offered moral high ground without stepping on industrial toes. He'd studied modern "white liberal" tactics: champion causes that cost elites nothing. Save the bison, not the workers.

Annabelle nodded. Pragmatic, painless virtue-signaling. Perfect for a rising dynasty.