The Billionaire Gardener

Chapter Five

"Can you delay the public announcement of my inheritance for one year? I want to manage Rovers Group incognito."

"Whatever you want. But what could be your reason?"

"I need time to equip myself for the great task ahead of me. Rest assured, I will be ready in a year's time."

"Sure. As your lordship pleases. I will announce you to the workers without mentioning your name or showing your face. I will be glad to get you acclimatized with everything Rovers Group stands for."

Ralph read and signed all the necessary paperwork and got the possession of the highly esteemed Elite Reserve Card.

With the Elite Reserve Card in his possession, he now held the key to not just billions of dollars but also high-end privileges, concierge services, and exclusive events.

"The card remains dormant until it is activated by your fingerprint. I will take you to the bank tomorrow if you don't mind."

"No, I prefer to go alone. It's better if you're not seen in public with me."

Ralph had successfully acquired ownership of Rovers Group, and the secret of his newfound wealth and power would stay concealed, at least for the time being.

That evening, Ralph returned to the Summers Mansion, no longer as a common gardener, but rather as the richest individual in Rovers County. His in-laws were oblivious to his newly acquired status.

Ralph doubted Diana's ability to keep the secret, opting to withhold it from her. He discreetly stashed his paperwork in inconspicuous belongings, ensuring the evidence of his newfound wealth remained hidden from both curious glances and his wife's knowledge.

"What was the reason behind your abrupt departure during our previous gathering?" Diana asked, her voice tinged with sadness.

"Is anything bothering you, sweet?" Ralph sensed the sadness in his wife's voice.

"I'm worried we won't be able to present any meaningful gift for grandpa's two-year remembrance tomorrow. Granny's birthday gift last month drained my pocket. We will be subject to more ridicule if we can't present a tangible gift." Diana couldn't help the tears streaming down her eyes.

Grandpa Andre Summers was the reason Ralph could marry Diana. He had commended Ralph's bravery in rescuing Diana from abductors and had no objection to Diana wanting to settle with such a brave man. He gave his approval even when others outrightly rejected the union. Truly, he deserved to be honored.

"I went to see an old friend that has made it big. He has graciously agreed to help us financially, and we will never be broke again." Ralph shared a partial truth, keeping his monumental secret for the time being.

Diana didn’t know whether to believe him or not. She hardly saw Ralph with any friend. So, who was this friend that was willing to give them so much money.

“What gift do you want us to present? Name it. Anything.”

“Grandpa liked antiques. I’m thinking of a not-so-expensive antique. Do you think your friend can help us with one?”

“Sure. I will ask him.”

West Summers stormed into the room, ignoring Ralph's presence as if he wasn't there.

"Don't tell me you're not getting anything for father's remembrance. Dean is already preparing his. Even if you have to borrow money, do it. I won't tolerate Bridget and her spoiled son making a mockery of my children in my presence."

"Mum!"

"What? If you hadn't married a useless husband, you wouldn't be broke."

"I'm not broke!"

"Oh, please! Broke is written all over you. I'm only concerned about how much taunting you'll have to endure tomorrow."

"You made me broke the moment you forced me to get the 'Dazzling Elysian Diamond Necklace' for granny's birthday."

"And you didn't enjoy the accolades? Didn't it put you in good terms with mother?"

"For how long?"

"Well, if you continue on that path, it might elevate your standing."

"Mum, don't worry. We'll find something for the remembrance." Ralph chipped in.

"Keep quiet! I'm not your deceased mother. Why don't you leave my beautiful daughter alone so she can marry one of those rich suitors parading after her? She's too good for a loser like you." Fake tears streamed down her face.

"I'm not a loser, Mum. I'll prove that to you." With that, Ralph left the room, determined to prove his worth and silence the continuous ridicule from West Summers.

---

Very early the following morning, Ralph went to Elite Financial Services to activate his card. The workers on duty looked at him scornfully as he entered. The bank was exclusively for wealthy individuals with the Elite Reserve Card.

"Mr. Man, what do you want here?" One of the workers said as she assessed him from head to toe, concluding he couldn't be worth more than a thousand bucks. The others laughed.

"Only billionaires come in here, and I doubt if you even own a hundred bucks to your name," another worker added mockingly.

"Where are your manners? Is this how you treat your customers?" Ralph was disappointed in these workers.

"He even has the guts to insult us. If you are here to beg for money, I can give you ten bucks to get some food." This bank worker appeared to be the meanest of them.

"I think the security guards should bundle him out before he contaminates this place with bad luck."

Despite the demeaning comments from the bank workers, Ralph maintained his composure. He walked confidently to the counter and spoke to the head cashier, a young gap-toothed lady.

"I'm here to activate the Elite Reserve Card," he stated calmly, ignoring the snide remarks around him.

Ralph brought out the card and stretched it out for her to see. She looked at him with amusement written on her face.

"I am here to activate this card," Ralph repeated, not sure she heard him the first time.

The others moved closer to look. The special card owned by few was right in his hand. They looked at him again and concluded he must have stolen it.

"You just landed yourself in trouble because I’m going to call the cops to arrest you for stealing this card." Without waiting for his response, the head cashier dialed the emergency line and gave out some info.

Ralph was amused that they hadn’t even confirmed the truthfulness of his words before calling the cops on him. He called Attorney Smith and related the situation to him.

After some minutes, the cops entered and went for Ralph. Just as they were about to drag him out, a woman hurried down the bank stairs.

"Stop!" She commanded. That was the bank director, Salome Woods. All the workers that had gathered around Ralph in mockery hurried back to their duty posts and watched from there.

"Mr. Ross?"

"Yes, please."

"I am so sorry for how uncultured some of our workers are. Name any punishment, and they will get just that."

"Well, just make sure you train them to treat people well. But I want this lady who called the cops suspended for six months without salary. Let her learn her lesson the hard way."

"I’m sorry, sir,” begged the gap-toothed lady as she instantly knelt before Ralph.

"Too late. You heard him. You are suspended! Get your stuff and leave immediately." She turned to the cops, "That was a false alarm. This man here is the owner of this card. I registered it for him. So, you may take your leave."

The cops left. The workers were surprised that Ralph actually owned the card in his hand.

"I will activate the card right away. Please come with me."

And Ralph went up the stairs with Salome.