Michael
Bianca and I step out of my Jeep, slamming the doors shut in unison. As I walk across the gravel driveway lined with manicured shrubs, I take in Ricardo’s majestic villa, nestled deep in the heart of Sunnyside, Houston. Inspired by Roman architecture, the house was built by a renowned American architect. My uncle never misses a chance to brag about it. This place is a far cry from the streets of Houston’s rougher neighborhoods—here, abundance, art, and power rule.
"I hope he doesn’t take forever," Bianca complains, climbing the stone steps to the grand front porch.
"Whatever he wants, we’re out of here in an hour," I say as a butler opens the heavy front door for us.
Unlike my father, Uncle Ricardo kept a lower profile. Sure, his empire is built on dirty money, but it’s also pr
