"Of course," Vanessa replied. "But some people never actually get anywhere."
Daniel heard every word.
Yet he refused to argue.
What Vanessa did not know was that the man standing in front of her had spent the last eight years building something she could not even imagine.
And the most interesting part was that he had never needed to tell anyone about it.
Three years earlier, Daniel had been working on a small technology project with two university friends.
They had developed a system designed to help property owners manage commercial buildings more efficiently.
At first, nobody took them seriously.
They worked from a small rented office, shared inexpensive meals, and spent countless nights trying to convince investors that their idea had potential.
Daniel had sold his car to keep the project alive.
He had borrowed money from relatives.
He had even postponed several personal plans because he believed the company deserved one final chance.
Eventually, a regional investment group agreed to fund them.
The project expanded.
Then another investor arrived.
Then another.
Within five years, the company had grown into a major technology and property-management business operating in several American cities.
Daniel became its majority shareholder and chief executive.
But he never changed his lifestyle dramatically.
He preferred quiet restaurants to exclusive clubs.
He drove an ordinary car.
He avoided unnecessary attention.
And he rarely discussed his wealth.
There was a reason for that.
Daniel had learned something painful during the early years of his career.
When people believed he had nothing, they treated him according to his character.
When they believed he had money, they treated him according to what they hoped to gain.
He wanted to know which people were capable of showing kindness without expecting anything in return.
Vanessa had already given him her answer.
But tonight, she was about to discover that her assumptions had been dangerously wrong.
Across the rooftop, Richard Hayes approached the group.
He was a tall man in his early forties, wearing a perfectly tailored navy suit.
"Vanessa, there you are."
She immediately changed her expression.
"Richard, darling."
He kissed her cheek.
Then he noticed Daniel.
"Good evening."
Daniel nodded.
"Good evening, Richard."
Vanessa quickly interrupted.
"Richard, you remember Daniel, don't you? I told you about him."
Richard studied Daniel's face.
"I don't believe we've met."
"Not officially," Daniel replied.
Vanessa laughed.
"Daniel is an old acquaintance. He used to have all sorts of business ideas."
Richard smiled politely.
"Interesting."
Vanessa moved closer to her boyfriend.
"Anyway, he probably won't stay long. I imagine this place is a little outside his usual budget."
Richard glanced at Daniel, then back at Vanessa.
Something about her comment made him uncomfortable.
"Vanessa, that's unnecessary."
She looked surprised.
"What?"
"I said that's unnecessary."
Daniel appreciated the gesture.
"It's fine, Richard. I'm not offended."
Vanessa rolled her eyes.
"You're both being dramatic."
She turned away and walked toward another group of guests.
Richard remained behind for a moment.
"I apologize for that."
Daniel shrugged.
"You don't need to apologize for someone else's behavior."
Richard studied him again.
There was something familiar about Daniel's face, but he could not immediately identify it.
Before he could ask another question, a waiter approached.
"Mr. Brooks, excuse me. The organizers have been asking for you."
Daniel nodded.
"I'll be there shortly."
Richard's expression changed.
"Mr. Brooks?"
Daniel looked at him.
"Yes?"
The waiter smiled.
"Mr. Whitmore and the board members are waiting in the private reception area. They would like to review the final documents before the announcement."
"Thank you. I'll join them in a moment."
The waiter walked away.
Richard stared at Daniel.
"Whitmore?"
Daniel nodded.
"Yes."
Richard's smile had vanished.
"Are you referring to Edward Whitmore?"
"That's right."
Richard looked confused.
Edward Whitmore was one of the most influential property investors in the country. He had built an enormous business empire and owned several landmark developments.
Richard had spent nearly a year trying to secure a meeting with him.