I had grown up knowing its office, its old brass sign, and the way he spoke about money as something entrusted to people rather than proof that they were better than everyone else.

He had made mistakes, and he could be stubborn.

But he never believed a ledger became more accurate because somebody powerful disliked the questions it raised.

The eighteen percent I inherited was an equity interest in Apex.

It did not make me its chief executive.

It did not let me issue orders to every company that borrowed from it.

There were family governance arrangements and a succession plan connected to certain investment vehicles.

I received information and handled my own responsibilities through advisers.