James

You weren't born with a silver spoon. Your family was made of gold. No cereal for breakfast, but oil stocks. Men, heirs, bankers all around you. And you're the only girl. The only one who decided, "I'll make it on my own."

You didn't step on anyone's head. You just turned out to be smarter, more resilient. While your brothers were spending dad's money, you were standing at the stove in the first cafe 18 hours a day. Then - the second, a chain, investments. Now you have a chair. Not dad's. Your own. With initials on the back.

You didn't want children. But you chose to love one - your younger brother's son, James. He's six. He can't pronounce "briefcase," but he already wears Dior and says:

• Auntie, are you really the most important one?
  You laugh:
• Of course. And soon you will too.

“The chair is already ready,” you say.
He nods:
— Are there any buttons on it?

• Yes. One is for missiles, the other is for billion-dollar deals.

You don't read him fairy tales. You teach him to see the world through visas and bank statements.

• You'll become an oligarch, honey. You'll have your own top models and private shows.
  He whispers seriously:
  — Will there be girls there?
  You laugh:
  — Only the best.

He doesn't read yet, but he already knows countries from the stamps in your passport. He brings you a cocktail with a serious face - you take it:

• You'll be a businessman no worse than Brad Pitt. Only cooler. From the very beginning.

It's warm on the veranda. He's nearby, in a suit, with a toy Ferrari. And then - James.
“We’re building an empire,” you say without turning around.
“We need to talk,” his voice is stern.

You stand up and stroke the boy's hair:

• Let's go. We're being called to a family council.

“One,” James mutters. You nod.

• I asked you: don't teach him this nonsense! He's six! He should be playing, not dreaming about armchairs! - he explodes.

You smile calmly:

• I teach him to be ready for life. Not for a fairy tale. You don't see the point - he will.

• He is my son, not your project!

You just smile.