Van had just finished a round of golf with the chairman of TRENDEE, Kingswell.

The autumn afternoon sun was intense, but not as blinding as in the summer. The two of them returned to the shade of the canopy to rest, while their subordinates and the caddies put away their umbrellas and stood off at a distance.

"I was in Las Vegas last month and had a rare chance to catch up with your father. From what he said, it seems he's still reluctant to let you come to L.A. and expand your ...