A little drabble I came up with after reading something about Andrew Mellon who was the real life richest man in America in 1933 ;)
...
1948
Oliver sighed defeatedly as he read the article in the newspaper. It was just at that moment that his wife Grace came into the dining room for breakfast. She noticed the perturbed look on his face and reached out for his hand after sitting down. "Is everything alright?"
He gave her a tight smile and a small nod. "Nothing too concerning, my dear. Only that, well…I'm afraid we've lost our position at the top of the wealthiest people in the world."
He'd known it was bound to happen. With more and more buildings being made of modern materials than steel and many of his other industries slowly dwindling, plus the fact that he had reduced his work hours significantly over the past couple of decades. Oliver knew he couldn't hold the title forever.
He slid the paper across the table to Grace, the article in the business section reporting Haroldson Lafayette Hunt Jr. as the new richest man in America.
Haroldson Hunt Jr. was an oil tycoon. A genius with numbers, he'd made his start essentially through gambling.
Oliver looked at his wife despondently. "I'm sorry Grace, you must be disappointed in me."
To his surprise, she shook her head with a small smile. "On the contrary. I am exceptionally proud of you."
He glanced back at her with a furrowed brow.
"You've been generous with your money, and with your time as well. What more could I ask for from my husband?" Her eyes shone with affection and Oliver's heart burst with pride for the umpteenth time to have her as his wife.
He leaned across the table and kissed her as ardently as if they were newlyweds.
"Now, perhaps you might like to send Mr. Hunt your congratulations", Grace suggested only somewhat seriously.
Oliver scoffed. "He should be congratulating me!"
Grace laughed. "Why is that?"
He grinned adoringly at her. "Because I'm married to the most wonderful woman in the world."
Grace's face softened as she curled her arms around his neck. "No one is richer than we are, darling."