If not, with Albert's sway, he'd be six feet under, no ten-million check.

It was all for Jessie's sake.

After a beat, Axell piped up, "Jessie didn't ask about me?"

Albert stubbed out his smoke, voice soft. "She kept quiet, because she knew it would upset me. She figured it'd end worse for you if she did. And she was right. Axell, I hate to admit it but she did have feelings for you once."

Albert felt a pang at the words.