In a driveway somewhere in California, a sleek black car pulled up, and a handsome young man stepped out, Alex Anderson, a 19-year-old.
He stood at 6'7" (201 centimeters), taller than most boys his age. His chestnut brown hair complemented striking blue eyes. His high nose bridge and moderately full, well-shaped lips enhanced his face, which was defined by prominent cheekbones, giving him a mature yet balanced appearance.
At just 19, Alex lived alone in a spacious villa perched on a clifftop overlooking Dume Cove. The villa had been given to him by his father when he was 18.
The property spanned over an acre and featured a single-story main house and a two-story guesthouse. Both structures boasted a sophisticated yet relaxed open-concept design. The main house's courtyard entry had a covered dining area, an ocean-view great room, and a bright kitchen with an eat-in island. A wall of glass opened to an outdoor living room with a covered patio that led to a vast lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean, perfect for recreation and entertainment. It also included a private outdoor living area, a pool, and a spa.
The guesthouse featured a ground-floor bedroom and an upstairs living area with a kitchen and glass accordion doors that opened onto an ocean-view deck.
Orphaned at a young age, Alex had been adopted as a baby by Charles Anderson, a widowed billionaire who co-founded a venture capital firm involved in groundbreaking biotech ventures. Mr. Anderson had told Alex that his real parents had tragically died during Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Charles, deeply moved during his involvement in providing relief to the hurricane victims, adopted Alex during this period.
Despite being adopted, Alex never felt estranged from Charles, who treated him like his own flesh and blood. In return, Alex regarded Charles as his true and only father.
At 69, Charles succumbed to glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain cancer. Diagnosed too late, he was given only 12 months to live. Knowing his time was short, Charles secretly arranged for a smooth transfer of properties to Alex, ensuring his son would not face complications that could delay his studies.
Charles left Alex a large inheritance, including high-end vehicles: an electric hypercar Pininfarina Battista, a futuristic hybrid McLaren Speedtail, a luxury off-road Rezvani Tank X, and a Marchi Mobile EleMMent Viva motorhome.
Understanding Alex's dislike for managing complex enterprises, Charles liquidated the family estate and company shares, depositing the proceeds into Alex's account before his passing.
Since childhood, Alex had been fascinated by archaeology, drawn to ancient cultures, artifacts, and unexplained phenomena. During camping and off-roading trips with Charles, Alex would often dig for treasures and ask about ancient structures like the pyramids. Encouraged by his passion, Charles allowed Alex to pursue archaeology without pressure to follow a more conventional career.
Alex also inherited a 229-acre ranch in Montana, surrounded by Lolo National Forest, which provided him steady income under the management of Charles's trusted confidant. Two additional properties, one in Alaska and one in Louisiana, added to his inheritance.
Alex also donated some of the money his father asked to be donated, while he inherited $850 million from his late adoptive father.
Determined to manage the wealth wisely and without stress, he decided to split the money between three major institutions: Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley.
He allocated $300 million to Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management. They would handle the investments, focusing on growing his wealth while managing taxes. Alex felt confident that the bank would secure the money through a mix of stocks, bonds, and real estate investments. The remaining balance would be kept in liquid assets for easy access.
Next, Alex put $300 million in J.P. Morgan Private Bank. They would focus on preserving the wealth through safer options like Treasury bonds and more stable investments. Their global reach would allow Alex to spread his wealth across international markets. J.P. Morgan also offered private lending, so Alex could access capital if needed without selling any assets.
Finally, Alex gave $250 million to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. They would work on sustainable growth through a balanced mix of stocks, bonds, and alternative investments. Morgan Stanley also helped Alex with estate planning, ensuring his wealth would be passed down smoothly in the future.
Depending on the investment strategy and market conditions, Alex could make anywhere between $34 million to $54 million annually from the combined $850 million across these three institutions.
By spreading the money across these three top-tier institutions, Alex ensured stable income, hassle-free wealth preservation, and the freedom to focus on his personal life without the burden of managing the vast fortune himself.
Sitting on the villa's balcony and gazing out at the sea, Alex reflected on the busy days following his father's funeral and the transfer of properties. Thanks to his father's planning and the help of a top law firm, the process felt almost surreal.
Stroking the matted black ring his father had left him, Alex couldn't help but feel sadness. His father had loved the outdoors, taking him hunting, fishing, and camping in all seasons.
A surge of loneliness enveloped Alex, his azure eyes misty. He felt grateful for the life his father had given him, both as a child and now as an adult with a promising future.