Ran payroll.
Solved inspections.
Stayed late when concrete arrived wrong.
They would own the company.
I retained a minority economic interest for retirement and estate needs.
Trevor would inherit none of the operating company.
My remaining personal estate would be divided among charitable and family provisions based on future circumstances.
No automatic empire.
When word spread internally, Ana came into my office.
“You’re serious?”
“Yes.”
“You know employees complain about the company constantly.”
“Good.”
“Owners should complain.”
She laughed.
Then cried.
I did too.
I told her:
“I spent forty years building something.”
“I thought the natural ending was handing it to my child.”
“What changed?”
I touched my cheek without realizing it.
“The realization that blood is not a qualification.”
Ana nodded.
Then:
“What about the River Oaks money?”
I had finally decided.
Part replenished the company for legal and recovery costs.
Part went into my retirement trust.
The rest—
