"Things calmed down. Most guys would let the bad stuff get to them, or spend years in therapy. Not me. I prefer to think that they have made me stronger. I respect life more, because of it. Of course, I guess I always was a resilient and strong-willed child." He chuckled. "Okay, so.. Paul took me in. I went to the academy for a couple more years. Then he put me in college. I went to Yale.. studying politics." He shrugged. "Classes are boring, yes, but it's the outcome that matters."
He paused, then said, "It was at this point that Paul, though legal means more complicated to explain than I can manage, arranged that I become CEO of the company at 18. Young, I know.. but then again, Alexander the Great had his own army at that time, and look what he accomplished."
Damien took his drink, finishing it. "Ohh.. that is good." Although it probably took him longer to get drunk, due to his type. Poison can't affect him, after all. "I still went to classes. I said it was boring, but the rest wasn't. I made a lot of friends. There were quite a few parties in the dorms. Music, occasional reefer, couples, girls.. anything. It was hush-hush, though. Secret."
He smiled, looking over at Maudie now. "So, how about you? Surely one as beautiful as yourself may have a story of her own to tell.. or at least a summary of your most fun experience in life."