The Platinum Card Betrayal

My son, Sam, practically vibrated with excitement.

"Future Leaders Summer Institute, Dad! Can you believe it?"

I smiled, a rare, soft expression.

I’d made sure of it; a quiet call to the university, a valuable donation – a small price for Sam’s future, far from my company’s shadow.

I preferred my quiet life as a rare book appraiser, anyway.

The donation was anonymous.

A week later, Sam’s face fell.

"Dad… they… they gave my spot away."

A cold knot tightened in my stomach.