Sylvia said, "Eric, you used to work for others before, but things have changed. Now, you and your partner own a company.

"I know you and Andy have a good relationship, but remember, the most important rule in a partnership is to protect your partner's interests. Basically, it's about money. You'll realize this soon enough. For now, you shouldn't be the one giving away the money."

Silently, Eric gazed at Sylvia. He hadn't thought as deeply about this as she had. Setting aside Williams Corp. an