Chapter 3

2002. Manhattan, New York.

The morning after dinner, I woke up to the sound of my phone. It was a message from Blair.

Blair: Thanks for dinner last night! I loved seeing you. Can we meet before you go back to California?

I smiled as I read her message and quickly replied.

Alex: Of course! I'd love to. Let me know when you have time.

I put away my phone and got up. My father and I were going to the family business, an opportunity to better understand the world of Van der Bilt Enterprises of the east coast.

Van der Bilt Enterprises, New York.

We arrived at the imposing office building in the heart of Manhattan. As we walked through the halls, greeting various employees, my father explained the company structure and its different divisions.

"Alex, our family has been in business for generations. We have investments in real estate, technology, medicine, pharmaceuticals… even in the energy sector," my father said proudly. "But I don't want you to feel like you have to follow this path just because it's tradition."

I nodded, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. We stopped in his office, where he offered me a seat.

"Dad, I can always do both, first make a name for myself and then take over the legacy when you're ready to pass it on," I said.

"Yes, of course. When I was young, I thought about being a lawyer at a law firm. But in the end, I started working with your grandfather," he replied. "But you, Alex, can do whatever truly excites you. If you want to be a doctor, you have our full support."

The conversation left me thoughtful. I appreciated my parents' support, which was more than some people had.

< --- >

Later that night, I received another message from Blair.

Blair: There's a charity event tonight at the Plaza. Would you like to come with me?

Alex: I'd love to! See you there.

The Plaza Hotel, New York.

I arrived at the luxurious event with my parents and found Blair waiting at the entrance. She was wearing a beautiful haute couture dress, and her smile made me feel both relieved and excited. Beside her were her parents, Eleanor and Harold Waldorf.

"Alex, I'm so glad you came," Blair said, giving me a quick hug.

"Thanks for inviting me, Blair. You look amazing," I replied, noticing how her cheeks flushed slightly.

"Alex, it's a pleasure to see you again," Eleanor said with a warm smile. "I hope you enjoy the event. It's to raise funds for pediatric cancer research."

"Thank you, Mrs. Waldorf. It's an honor to be here," I replied sincerely.

We entered the hall together, meeting several familiar and new faces. I saw Nate and Tripp in a corner, chatting animatedly with Chuck Bass, who always had an arrogant demeanor.

'Looks like I've stumbled upon the worst of the bunch, a wild Chuck Bass.'

"Alex, Blair, what a surprise to see you here together!" Nate said, giving us a pat on the back.

"Yeah, we're making the most of the time before Alex goes back to California," Blair said, smiling.

The night passed with conversations and laughter. At one point, Blair and I found ourselves alone on a balcony, enjoying the city view.

"Alex, have you decided where you're going to study?" Blair asked, looking at me curiously.

"Not entirely, but I'm considering doing my last two years of high school at St. Jude," I replied.

"Oh… that's great!" she said enthusiastically. "I'll be waiting for you," she said, winking softly.

Later, as we walked through the hall, I spotted some familiar faces from television. Among them were Dr. Wilson and Dr. Cuddy.

"I see you're not like the others here, so… who are you?" I asked the doctors directly.

"How do you know?" Dr. Wilson asked.

"Well, a single pearl from that woman's necklace is worth more than your entire outfit."

"Really?" the doctor exclaimed, amazed.

"We're doctors. My name is Lisa Cuddy, an endocrinology specialist, and this is James Wilson, an oncology doctor. We're here as support and to see if we can attract some donors for our hospital," Dr. Cuddy said cheerfully.

"I figured as much. What do you need the money for, if I may ask?" I inquired.

"Well, we have the best diagnostic doctor in the country at our hospital, and I want to propose to the board a diagnostic team for the most difficult cases. Who knows, if I succeed, I might get the position of dean of the hospital."

"Lucky you found me, how much are we talking about?"

With some surprise in his eyes, Wilson said, "About 25 million for the first four years…"

"I can do it," I said prematurely. "But I have conditions."

"I don't mean to be rude, but are you sure you have that kind of money at hand?" Dr. Cuddy asked.

"Of course, it's nothing. I've been saving birthday, communion, and Christmas money. I prefer cash to gifts," I said.

"If that's the case… what conditions do you have?" Cuddy asked.

"Well… first, at least 25% of the board's votes. If I'm putting in so much money, I want a say in where and how it's spent. Another is being able to observe the doctors of my choice when I can. Then, when I go to medical school, we can talk about residencies and more."

"I suppose I can tell the board and see if they accept. I think they would. Having that injection of capital is significant for anyone."

"Sure! Here's my card and my manager's." I handed out four cards, two for each. "If there's any problem, talk to my manager; for everything else, talk to me," I said, smiling. "Just don't call between 9 and 2 because I'll be back at school after this Christmas break."

"Okay… bye…" they said synchronously.

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