“What’s our next move?” Michael asked, signaling his team to get back to work.

Dave leaned in, speaking quietly as he laid out his plan. Michael was surprised by how harsh it sounded. “You’re really going that hard on your own uncles?”

Dave’s expression hardened, and his voice grew cold. “Do you remember what they put me through when I was a kid?”

Michael knew exactly what he meant.

They had grown up together, and Michael had seen firsthand the contempt, neglect, and hostility Dave had faced from his uncles when he was young.

Michael made a casual remark without thinking about how Dave might feel. Realizing his mistake, he...