The Billionaire Gardener

Chapter Eleven

Ralph came out of Rovers Royale with Diana. They had eventually had a nice time out after Andre, Victor, and Stuart had been thrown out. At the entrance, it was another security guard who was there.

“Where is Bright Moore?” Ralph asked, looking like someone seeking confirmation. He knew what happened to Bright Moore. It’s a result of his instruction.

“He has just been suspended for six months with no pay.”

Diana exchanged knowing looks with Ralph.

“Really? What is his offense?”

“He insulted a customer earlier on. Seemed Mr. R.R. got wind of it and stated his punishment. This new owner now seems to tolerate no nonsense. I wonder if he is a ghost.”

Again, Diana looked at Ralph questioningly.

“Oh! He should learn to treat people better then. I’m sure the punishment will reform him.”

“Do you want to give him a tip, sir? I can collect it on his behalf.”

“He doesn’t deserve anything, but let me find you something.” Ralph gave him a few bucks.

“Thank you, sir. I will look forward to serving you when next you come around. The name is Charles Dewan.”

Ralph nodded and left with Diana. The luxury Jeep was already waiting for them. Just as they were about to enter the vehicle, someone shouted Diana’s name. They turned to look. It was Helen Lewis.

“Hi Helen.”

“You didn’t tell me you were coming here? I have never seen you here before. Who brought you?”

“My husband.” This was when Helen looked at the man beside Diana. It was indeed Ralph, the loser, standing by the luxury jeep. She opened her mouth in awe.

“Unbelievable! How was he able to hire this car and pay for the services of the grandest hotel in Rovers?”

“I don’t think that is any of your business. Don’t you know insulting my husband is the same as insulting me?” Ralph was impressed. He was about to respond when Diana gave the befitting reply. That was the most impressive defense Diana had ever done for Ralph.

Helen was taken aback. Diana had never spoken to her in that manner. What had come over her? She changed the discussion anyway.

“So, Ralph, were you about to resolve your job issue with Attorney Smith?”

“Job issue? What job issue?”

“So, you didn’t know your husband went to beg Attorney Smith to secure his gardening job. He is afraid the new boss will sack him.”

“Don’t mind her. Why don’t we go home to talk?”

Diana looked lost. Ralph hadn’t told her anything like that. It was embarrassing to be hearing it from an outsider. Helen loved that she had succeeded in creating some tension between the couple. That was her payback for how Diana had responded earlier on. Satisfied, she bid her “goodbye” and sauntered towards the entrance of the hotel with a man Diana had not seen with her before. Helen had all kinds of men in her palm.

“Let’s go home and talk it out. Don’t allow her to spoil your mood.”

Angrily, Diana entered the car and ignored Ralph all the way down home.

When they got inside Summers mansion, Ralph took permission to quickly get somewhere while Diana got down and walked inside without saying a word.

The evening's events replayed in Diana's mind as she sat on the bed, still in the gown she had worn to the hotel. Numerous questions swirled in her thoughts, but Ralph was nowhere to be found to provide answers. He seemed to have transformed into someone entirely different from the person she knew.

Why were Andre, Victor, and Stuart thrown out, especially Victor, the Executive Director of Rovers Group? Did Bright Moore truly get suspended because of how he treated them? Was the mysterious boss really monitoring the entire scene both outside and inside the hotel? What role did Ralph play in all of this? Where did he obtain such a rare and unique card? How did he manage to pull it off, and whose car did they use?

Lost in contemplation, Diana didn't notice when her mother barged in, as she often did, even when Ralph was present.

"What are you doing there, gloomy?" West stood over Diana.

"Mum, it's Ralph." Diana replied after some hesitation.

West raised an eyebrow, sensing the distress in Diana's voice. "What happened? What has he done this time? Why do you look so troubled?"

Diana sighed, trying to find the right words. "He's not the same, Mum. Something is different about him. He took me out to Rovers Royale, my first, and he acted so confidently. The Ralph I had been living with was gentle, peaceful, nonviolent, and undefensive. He said Andre, Victor, and Stuart would be thrown out, and they were indeed thrown out of the hotel. He even rough-handled Stuart.”

West furrowed her brows. "He did all that? How? That weakling?”

"It's complicated, Mum. Ralph seems to have some secrets.” Diana wanted to mention how Ralph used the Elite Reserve Card and ordered the most expensive items but decided not to mention it. She didn’t trust her mother that much.

“See, I have always told you to divorce him. Marry someone stable, someone like Stuart Young. He's wealthy, has the Elite Reserve Card – everything you would ever need to live well. He will give you the life you desire."

Diana's eyes widened. She didn’t expect any better advice. She was already regretting confiding in her mother who had no iota of love for her husband.

"Divorce? Mum, I can't just jump into that decision. I need to talk to Ralph, understand what's going on. Maybe there's an explanation."

“There’s no explanation. He is just using you. Stop taking your future with levity; that loser has no future.”

“Can you at least stop calling him a loser?”

“I will call him whatever I want. If he does not like it, he should leave you alone. Divorce him; that’s the solution. That’s when you will have peace in this house.” West left angrily.

Diana was torn between loyalty to her husband and the uncertainty of the situation. She needed to talk to Ralph first. She wondered where he had gone to. Was he seeing another woman?

As Diana continued to grapple with conflicting emotions, she dozed off.

Contrary to Diana’s speculation, Ralph was in a meeting with Attorney Smith, addressing an urgent matter. They occupied a discreet location, a quiet café tucked away in the corner of a park, providing an open yet inconspicuous location for their discussion, ensuring a secure environment away from prying eyes.

“Helen spotted me at your place today, and as anticipated, she relayed it to my wife. I was able to come up with a lie, but it’s no longer safe to continue using your facility or being seen with you.”

“I understand your concern. With numerous properties under your ownership, choose any location, and I'll arrange it promptly.”

“No, I don't want to involve any physical assets of Rovers for now. That might raise suspicions. My wife is already acting cautiously. She's astute in her observations. I need to tread more carefully around her.”

“In that case, I can secure a property from Lowell Real Estates owned by Dickson Lowell. They're the second-best after Rovers Estates, and the CEO is a close friend of mine. Besides, Rovers Group hold the largest share in the company. Just specify your preferred location and the required amenities, and Dickson will sort it out for you.”

“No, I prefer handling this on my own.”

“Are you certain it's safe? Won't your identity be jeopardized?”

“Don't worry. I had a streetwise background. Disguises were second nature. I can put that skill to good use.”

Attorney Smith nodded, a subtle agreement reflected in his smile.