It didn't take me much time to accept John's offer. He seemed like a good man who liked me a lot and was ready to do everything in his power to have me around. It didn't hurt he was handsome and very wealthy... I was fond of the guy, and the age difference didn't bother me a bit.

John paid for my rented apartment in San Francisco, and I began working in his headquarters. In the first week, I shadowed his assistant, who taught me everything from filing to answering the phone and introduced me to the important members of the team. I joined her in most board meetings and...