Raised in an orphanage since birth, sixteen-year-old Tony Cole has seen more disappointment than success-but his life changes forever after he meets billionaire and philanthropist Jonathan Stuyvesant. Jonathon spends twelve years mentoring Tony, helping him to become a financial wizard. After he dies, he leaves Tony a vast fortune-with a catch. During the reading of his last will and testament, Jonathon issues a challenge to Tony-to become the next man to acquire a wealth of over three billion dollars. Suddenly overwhelmed by the curious reporters who surround him after the news is announced, Tony decides to leave on a vacation to sort things out and determine on his course of action. A brilliant and shrewd businessman, Tony is motivated by the challenge and soon begins building an empire like no other. But he is soon distracted from his goals by two woman-a married woman, out of his reach, whom he loves deeply but cannot have, and the beautiful movie star whose love distracts him from his obsession with the first. In this intriguing tale of high finance, joy, and tragedy, Tony attempts to grapple with his emotions, but soon realizes that love has more power over the course of his life than he ever realized.