Page 22 of Interview with the Billionaire

J. Steele: It was. And we have Syl to thank for that. She was tireless.

S. Steele: I think we have the entire team to thank. We’re expanding, too. I think that might be a scoop for you, actually. If so, you’re welcome.

Bridge: Expanding?

S. Steele: Several acres of the island were left undeveloped. We’re putting in a section of private residences — single family homes and one high-end condo tower. Plus, we’re expanding the resort. I’m very excited about the potential.

Bridge: And how involved is Damien?

S. Steele: As much as he needs to be. And if Jackson and I do our jobs right, that isn’t much.

Bridge: Do you find it difficult working for your brother-in-law?

S. Steele. Not at all. In some ways it’s easier than before. Damien’s a very private person. I caught peeks behind the mask as his Exec Assistant—it’s inevitable—but now I know him so much better. It’s given me more insight into him, and I respect him even more. Which is saying a lot, because I already respected the hell out of him.

Bridge: What about you, Jackson? You made your own name, but until recently, I think it’s fair to say that your brother is more well known. His tennis career and then all the ventures that make up Stark International.

J. Steele: You’ll get no argument from me. I have a niche. Damien has the world.

Bridge: And is that a problem?

J. Steele: Not anymore.

Bridge: But…?

J. Steele: For years, I thought Damien was an ass.

Bridge: You didn’t know he was your brother until you were an adult.

J. Steele: No. He didn’t know about me. I knew about him. I’d just never met him until I was an adult. But Damien didn’t have a clue. I saw him as my spoiled baby brother. I don’t feel that way anymore for a lot of reasons, none of which I’ll get into here. I will say that I blamed him for keeping my father from me. Since I imagine that Jeremiah Stark will come up in your interview with Damien, let me just say that had I seen my father with clearer eyes back then, I would have been thanking my brother for saving me from that son-of-a-bitch.

[He checks his watch]

J. Steele: We need to wrap this up and get the kids back to our place. Any more burning questions?

Bridge: Well, the S&S Sports Center. What was it like working with your brother?

J. Steele: This is hardly the first time, and we work well together. The center was a passion project for both of us, and I’m proud of my design. But the place itself was Damien’s idea, and it was a good one.

Bridge: Thank you. I appreciate your time. Both of you. Anything you’d like to add?

J. Steele: Just that Damien’s faced a lot of shit in his life. I have, too, but I think it’s safe to say that his truckload is bigger than mine. But despite all of that, he’s one of the best people I know. And considering I used to think he was Satan incarnate, that’s saying one hell of a lot.

Interview End

Damien’s Journal

A brother

I have a brother, and as far as I can tell he hates me.

I have said over and over that I am only recording events now. There is no time for long journal entries.

And yet I feel this deserves one.

Even so, this is the most I can do right now. I don’t know how to process this information. I don’t now how to flip my world into this new reality.

I will come through it fine—of that much I am certain.