Chapter 12 Beatrice and Old Mr. Sylvester had two children - a son and a daughter Gordon was called " the ninth " not because he was the ninth child of the elder Sylvesters , but because , among all the Sylvester cousins in the sprawling family , he ranked ninth in age . When Beatrice gave birth to their daughter , complications left her with lasting health issues . Doctors told her she would never be able to have another child . But fate had other plans . At forty - five , she became pregnant again , against all odds . A late - in - life baby brought the couple immeasurable joy . They cherished their son as if he were a rare gem . Gordon never let them down : though he was born with every privilege , he didn't become the spoiled playboy everyone expected . He was brilliant , driven , and possessed an extraordinary talent for business . Beatrice's only worry ? Her remarkable son had no interest in marriage . It was true : she was the matriarch of the Sylvester family . But she was also just a mother . Like any other , she hoped her son would settle down , start a family , and give her the simple happiness of becoming a grandmother . Now , she pressed , " Even if you refuse to get married , can't you at least try dating ? Just give it a shot !? " I'm not interested in dating ," Gordon replied coolly . " And if I've sworn off marriage , why should I go stringing some poor girl along ?" Beatrice felt her chest tighten with frustration . " Then what are you interested in , exactly ? " Gordon's lips curled into a faint smile . " Making money ." She scowled . " Fine ! Then why don't you just marry your money and see how that turns out ? " He nodded , utterly unbothered . " That's the plan . " Beatrice gritted her teeth , half tempted to grab her unflappable son and give him a good shake . But Gordon just sat there , as calm as ever , offering her an apple . " Here , have some fruit . " " Keep your applet " she snapped , swatting it out of his hand . Gordon bent to retrieve it from the floor . " Mom , this apple cost ten bucks . If you're mad , take it out on me , not on the money.7 " Money , money , money ! That's all you ever think about ! You can't even bear to throw out a lousy apple . Other people save money because they have children to inherit it - what about you ? When you're gone , who's even going to visit your grave ? What good is all that cold , hard Gordon's voice was as even as ever . " That cold , hard cash will put me at the very top of the Forbes list " " So what if you're number one ! What's there to brag about ? A man without a wife or children is the real loser " " There are plenty of people in this world who envy the top spot on Forbes , Mom . No one envies some average guy just because he has a wife and kids . You and Dad have both - a son and a daughter - but did either of you make the Forbes list ? Beatrice shot him a look . Alright , alright , you win ! You're number one , you're so amazing you could fly a plane underwater Skyler , who had been listening nearby , burst out laughing at Beatrice's quick wit . Beatrice really was a force to be reckoned with She turned to Gordon , eyes narrowed in mock warning . " But remember , life has a way of teaching everyone a lesson . Sooner or later , you'll fall for someone you can't have . The proud get humbled , the stubbom get burned . Just wait- your road to love will be a bumpy one , mark my words . " E Fall for someone he can't have ? Chase after a woman ? Gordon gave a wry smile . " Mom , why don't you look out the window ? " Beatrice blinked , confused , and turned her head . ! Outside , the sun was shining and a gentle breeze stirred the trees . Nothing out of the ordinary . " What about the window ?? Gordon's lips twitched . " It's broad daylight , Mom . Why are you dreaming already ? "