Charles Bradshaw is an aging tycoon haunted by his past. When he suffers a heart attack, he abruptly retires and announces that he will give his fortune to charity, which leads to conflict with his wife and adult children. A girlfriend from his youth returns unannounced, bringing memories of a terrible secret that they both share. Unnerved by their renewed affection for each other, Charles and Anna struggle to overcome their remorse and to make amends, but tension inevitably flares. Meanwhile, Charles's son is taking over the company and becomes intoxicated with his newfound power, intent, it seems, on self-destruction. "A very fine piece of work" - John Banville