With Harper in place, one gets the sense of Rockefeller seizing up on the issue of money, eventually forbidding Harper to even discuss it in his presence.
Rockefeller is in denial of his financial situation. 
mnli hypothesis: Rockefeller is in denial of his financial situation.  premise: With Harper in place, one gets the sense of Rockefeller seizing up on the issue of money, eventually forbidding Harper to even discuss it in his presence.