Chapter 44: The Astor Family

Monet cast a skeptical glance at Nicole, thinking, "Doesn't this naive woman even consider the possibility? If this Rick truly belongs to the Astor family, could he really dress so modestly?"

At this time, the Astor family ranked fourth among the wealthiest families in America. The top three were the Morgan family, the Rockefeller family, and the Ford family.

Properties such as the New York Public Library, the St. Regis Hotel, the Astor Hotel, and even "The London Times" were among their assets. Back in 1830, Astor the First had acquired over a thousand plots of property in Manhattan – and we're talking about Manhattan! (Of course, many of these properties were later sold off by spendthrift descendants, including the Empire State Building and Times Square, which were originally Astor-owned.)

Later on, the Astor family divided into two branches. One relocated to England, with Lady Astor, also known as Nancy Langhorne, becoming the prominent figure and the first female Member of Parliament in British history.

The other branch remained in the United States, represented by Astor IV. He was not only a successful real estate developer, investor, inventor, and author (known for his science fiction novel "Journey to His Star"), but he was also a true gentleman. During the time of the Titanic, he was aboard and, once Lifeboat No. 4 was ready, he helped his wife, her maid, and nurse onto it. He then inquired if he could join them to care for his ailing wife. However, he was told that men could only board after all women and children had gotten on. The last sighting of Astor was on the starboard side, smoking with the American novelist Jack Futrelle. Half an hour later, the ship sank completely. Madeleine, her maid, and nurse were all saved, but Astor and his manservant perished. His conduct put many so-called "gentlemen" to shame.

It's said that he left behind an inheritance of $150 million upon his death, which in 1912 was worth at least $3.2 billion today. Therefore, if Rick truly were a member of the Astor family, how could he appear so modest? Moreover, if Monet's memory served her right, the American Astor branch currently had only one male heir – Vincent.

To her surprise, Rick answered with a slight nod, "Yes, I am a member of the Astor family, and Astor IV was my father."

Seeing Monet's astonished expression, Rick somewhat awkwardly explained, "Actually, I am a bastard child. When my mother and my father, Astor IV, fell in love, she didn't know he was already married. So, when she found out, she left the United States. However, she was already pregnant and ended up giving birth to me. But it wasn't until she was on her deathbed that she revealed who my father was. Armed with a memento from my mother – a photo and a gemstone ring – I boarded the Titanic, intending to find my father in the United States.

Unexpectedly, I met my father on the ship, and upon seeing the photo and the ring, he recognized me. He had planned to reveal my identity once we reached New York, but fate had other plans – the shipwreck occurred, and my father passed away."

Though Monet wasn't sure whether Rick's story was true or not, Astor IV's colorful history was indeed factual. In 1891, he married a woman named Ava, and they had a son and a daughter. However, in a surprising turn of events in 1909, he divorced Ava, causing a major scandal.

Then, in September 1911, at the age of 47, he married 18-year-old debutante Madeleine Force. Strikingly, Madeleine was just one year younger than his son Vincent. To escape gossip, the newlyweds embarked on an extensive honeymoon throughout Europe and North Africa, lasting half a year.

During their journey, Madeleine discovered she was pregnant. In April 1912, at five months pregnant, she decided she must return to the United States to give birth. Thus, they purchased first-class tickets for the Titanic and embarked from the port of Cherbourg in France. Tragically, they met their untimely end.

Astor IV left behind an inheritance of $150 million. According to the will, $72 million was designated for his eldest son, Vincent. He also bequeathed the family estate and a private yacht to Vincent. For his newlywed wife, Madeleine, he left a $5 million trust fund. As long as she didn't remarry, she would receive $500,000 annually. She also gained access to his two mansions and could choose one of his luxury cars and five of his beloved horses. Additionally, he left a $10 million trust fund for his daughter, Alice.

As Monet was lost in her thoughts, Nicole interjected, "Since your father acknowledged you, why don't you establish your identity?"

Rick shrugged indifferently, replying, "Why should I? I came to New York this time to find my father. Even though we recognized each other just before he passed away, the fact remains that we did. So, my purpose has been fulfilled. As for that brother Vincent and sister Alice, I don't know them, and going to them might lead to assumptions that I'm after the inheritance. Why bother going there and creating unnecessary trouble?

Honestly, I don't think life in those prominent families is all that great. Take, for instance, the Vanderbilts. They have enormous wealth, right? And her husband, Duke Marlborough IX, he has a prestigious title, doesn't he? But look at the lives they led – unhappy from the very first day of their marriage. So, why bother with these grand families? Isn't it better to be free and live life on your own terms?" (Feel free to look up the life of Consuelo Vanderbilt, it's quite poignant.)

"Well, Rick, your perspective is truly admirable!" Monet exclaimed, giving him a thumbs-up. If she were in Rick's position, she wouldn't be as open-minded. She'd definitely try to claim her share, even if she couldn't become the head of the Astor family. At the very least, she'd secure a few million dollars and achieve financial freedom!

PS: Four months after the shipwreck, Madeleine gave birth to a baby boy. Four years later, at the age of 23, she remarried, tying the knot with her childhood friend and banker Dick. This marriage resulted in her losing access to the Astor family mansion and the annual $500,000 allowance. After their marriage, Madeleine gave birth to two more sons. In 1933, at the age of 40, she divorced Dick. Four months later, she married a 26-year-old Italian boxer. Five years later, they divorced. Two years after that, at the age of 47, Madeleine passed away due to heart disease in Palm Beach.