Rory sat on the living room coach with a highlighter pen, entranced in Adam Smith's tome. Richard came knocking on the door.

"Ah, wonderful," Richard said. "I'm so glad you're reading this book. I know you're quite a fan of literature but sometimes it's better to find yourself in the real world for a change."

Rory's eyes perked up.

"I had no idea about this 'invisible hand,' Grandpa," Rory said. "But I can certainly see it in action."

"It certainly exists," Richard said, smiling. "How good are you with computers?"

"Pretty good," Rory said.

"Excellent. I have colleagues at work who handle my computer research for me. But, obviously, they're not as dedicated to the job as I am as none of them are picking up their phones," Richard said. "Golf really is a game best played by people who don't have the title of 'assistant' attached to their names."

They went into Richard's study. Rory turned on the computer.

"Could you look up Eurozone bond interest rates for the month of August, dear?"

Rory look puzzled for a second as Richard spelled out the word for her slowly.

"Aha! Wonderful! What does that say?"

"4.2 percent," Rory responded.

Richard pulled out a file as he peered over his glasses. A smile waved over his face.

"Wonderful," he said. "Just wonderful." This was followed by a cackle.

"This is good news?"

"Yes, Rory," Richard said. "I'll try to explain it to you simply since you're just now learning about economics. Insurance is a complicated industry. And one of our competitors is using this 4.2 percent number to determine the price of some of its policies."

Rory nodded. Despite her intelligence and interest in the world, this was hard to follow.

"But the interest rates this month are now 3.6 percent. And with a little bit of rewording of our policies, we'll be able to issue new prices that are cheaper," Richard said.

"And since prices are cheaper, people will buy your product," Rory said. "Competitive theory."

"You're understanding this faster than you thought you were," Richard smiled. "So I'm going to do some work and make some phone calls. I have, oh, about 72 hours before the competition catches on to what I'm up to. But hopefully that's all it will take for me to take a few dozen customers off their hands."

Richard leaned back and chuckled evilly.

"This, Rory, is how competition works," Richard explained. "I put in more work than my enemy. I now know my enemy's weakness. And I can now strike while I can."

He paused to take off his glasses.

"Friends in life are important, Rory. Especially at your age," Richard said. "But there are a lot of people like you who want to go to Harvard… for some reason. But there are only so many acceptances Harvard will allow. You're competing with students from around the world. You're competing with people who sit right next to you in your classes. And while they may be your friends… also keep in mind that, to some degree, they're also your enemies."

Rory sat stone-faced. This review of the world was harsh. But it washed over her.

"And if I know my enemy's weakness… then I can strike when I can," Rory said.

Richard smirked.

"Wonderful," he said. "I have some calls to make, Rory. But I can make out some time in a few hours if you have any questions about anything you're reading right now."

Rory nodded and smiled.

"I'm sure I'll have plenty."