After World War I, America enjoyed a golden age of explosive economic growth in the 1920s and '30s.
Back then, people referred to the wealthy districts on Long Island in New York as "East Egg" and "West Egg." The two areas, which stretched along the coast, had been laid out like oval pigeon eggs at opposite ends of the island.
The wealthy tycoons living in East Egg almost all came from families with long histories and traditions. They were old-money aristocrats, deeply entrenched in America's political and business circles.
West Egg, on the other hand, was synonymous with nouveau riche.
More than half a century had passed. Long Island remained New York's most famous wealthy district, but the old names had long since fallen out of use.
The wheels of time rolled on. Even the most venerable wealthy families, let alone dynasties and nations, were subject to rise and fall. The old East Egg aristocratic district had long since changed beyond recognition, its residents replaced by successive generations of newly risen business magnates.
Yet the Howlett Estate, with its prime, secluded location and sprawling grounds, had reportedly stood there since the beginning of the century, unchanged.
It was like a bystander in the long river of history, watching its "neighbors" come and go.
James rarely stayed at the New York estate these days. In recent years, he had spent most of his time at the old home in Canada. The estate was now primarily where Azazel and Raven lived with their family. The Rogerses, who also worked in New York, often stayed there too.
But today, the servants were surprised to see Mr. Howlett sitting by the enormous fireplace in the living room first thing in the morning, lost in thought. They hadn't even realized when he'd returned.
The estate's