CHAPTER 001.

. . .

The evening rays shone brightly on the Edgewood mansions of the Roger's family, casting its beaming lights into the majestic halls and pillars, revealing the activities of the day.

What caught my attention at most was the exquisite decorations and patterning of flowers and ribbons around the rounded pillars, gracing the environs with colour and skill.

This particular day was no ordinary, as it was the Roger's annual dinner celebration marking the achievements of their conglomerates as well as Katherine Rogers 70th birthday.

Inside the decorated mansion, the dining hall seemed to come alive as dignitaries from far and near graced the occasion, filling the hall with majestic royalties and exonerated laughter.

Katherine Rogers, a woman of no mean reputation, found herself in the midst of her adoring children and grandchildren, who graced the day with a spark of beauty and elegance as they bestowed upon her their luxurious gifts.

As the culture of the Roger's family has always been, every member of the family was expected to present their carefully chosen gift in honour of every grand event.

"Grandmother, I found it worthy to present the most valuable item to you... it must have cost me twenty thousand dollars."

The young and charming boy exclaimed, pride filled his tone as he presented her with an eye-catching box, it shimmered in the colourful lights reflecting its silver adorned edges.

Katherine Rogers smiled at the perfection of the gift bestowed on her, with a sparkling smile, she untied the parcel and carefully lifted the lid to be greeted by a stunning" Heritage in Bloom necklace," It's 383.4 carats of diamond sparkled as she gasped in astonishment, the hall seemed to mirror Katherine's awestruck expression.

"Oh Maverick, this is overwhelming and exquisite…, I adore it so much."

Katherine Rogers exclaimed as she rained encomiums on him and planted a graceful kiss on his cheeks which made him giggle.

"Grandma, I also got you something fascinating, a beautiful portrait of you and late grandpa, it is encased in a silver frame, amounting to a whopping six hundred thousand dollars, it was made by the best artist in Vernice".

"Mother-in-law, I overheard of your admiration for beautiful vintage glassware and pottery, so I gathered a collection that fits your taste and class, each piece comes with a price tag of seventy thousand dollars"

Katherine Rogers couldn't hold back her happiness, she smiled and her lips curved, making the pink gloss to sparkle, her beaming smile captured the joy she felt within, she winked as she looked at all the beautiful gifts bestowed on her.

"I must say that I am proud of you all, you've truly shown me the meaning of love in a classic way, I'm sure that my husband would also be proud of you if he were to be alive right now." She blinked a bit as she exclaimed happily.

Soon, the gifting time drew to an eventful close, transitioning smoothly into the long awaited moment, and that was the dinning time, the dinning table filled with graciously made meals beckoned on each guest as they took their seats around.

Their faces beaming with anticipation as the rich, savory aromas of the day's feast wafted through the air, mingling with the scents of fresh flowers arranged in stunning centre-pieces. Conversations paused, eyes bright with expectations as the first course was brought in.

Suddenly, a tall and handsome young man, Kendrick Peterson emerged into the room dressed in traditional livery apron which hung loosely on his neck, sprinkled seasons shattered the surface of the apron, as spilled oils decorated every space left. His ruffed hair dangled with perches of flower dust.

His hands held tightly to a magnificent platter laden with a sumptuous array of dishes, closely followed by three maids who moved with practical grace, holding each tray with a flourish.

He painstakingly arranged the plates before the guest, Kendrick's eyes flickered as he looked through the faces of the seated guests, something seemed to be missing, his eyes widened as he scanned through the hall gently, pretentiously searching as he dished the meals.

His heart raced but then he maintained his calmness, like a spring-recall, he remembered his mother-in-law's words echoing in his mind.

"You would have to remain in the kitchen and never come out, neither should you go to any part of the building until the end of the event, Katherine Rogers will ensure that you're paid every single amount you need."

Fully aware of his dire need for the promised payment which he rightfully deserved, he needed to get Louis Vagham a precious gift today. Kendrick poured out his heart and inner mind into preparing the most delicious meal to fit the event of the day.

His heart pounding in his chest after he was done serving the guests, he went to take off his apron, pulling it out and handling it to a maid who was returning into the kitchen.

He walked gracefully towards Katherine Rogers and whispered,

"Grandmother-in-law, I'm done with everything you asked me. Can I get my payment, please? I need to get something important before the end of today's event."

Katherine Rogers like a flash of light turned towards him, her eyes widened in surprise, her teeth gritted as she demeaningly stared at him.

"How the hell did you gather the courage to show up here? Where on earth did my husband find such a shameless idiot like you? Did he even think twice?"

She scowled as her voice blared through the hall, everyone's head turned towards Kendrick instantly as he stood in awe, his jaw dropped.

...Besides being a son-in-law, he didn't offer any gift to Katherine Rogers, oh- yeah he did and that was early today… But what the hell did he present other than a useless ring that didn't even come in a shiny case, I'm sure it must have cost nothing less than a hundred dollars, and he is asking for money for the job he had done?