Jeffrey Epstein's rise from a Brooklyn upbringing to the heights of American finance and society was marked by a pattern of manipulation, deceit, and leveraging powerful relationships. After leaving his teaching job at Dalton School under a cloud, Epstein was hired at Bear Stearns thanks to influential connections, despite lying about his education. There, he quickly ingratiated himself with top executives and began a series of questionable financial maneuvers, escaping consequences for repeated infractions.

Epstein's career after Bear Stearns was built on exploiting contacts, orchestrating scams, and embedding himself in elite social circles. He cultivated relationships with wealthy and influential figures, including Leslie Wexner, who granted him unprecedented control over his finances, enabling Epstein to amass a vast fortune. Along the way, he used young women as social currency and manipulated those around him to further his ambitions.

Epstein's philanthropic donations and social connections opened doors to political leaders, academics, and the highest echelons of society, while his criminal activities remained hidden for years. The article reveals that his success was less about financial genius and more about relentless scheming, manipulation, and the willingness of institutions and individuals to overlook his transgressions. Ultimately, Epstein's unchecked ascent laid the groundwork for the sex-trafficking operation that would later come to light, implicating a network of enablers and victims across decades.