The Billionaire Gardener

Chapter Four

The most influential figure in Rovers County, after whom the County was named, had just suddenly passed away, and everyone was curious to know who his successor would be since he had no living family.

The Summers family was not left out. Lady Margarita Summers was keenly interested in Mr. Rovers’ successor. Summers Luxury Automobiles, the major family business of the Summers, was almost dependent on Rovers Motors which was one of the many companies owned by the deceased Billionaire.

With a sense of urgency, Lady Margarita convened an emergency meeting of the Summers family to discuss and speculate on the identity of the next owner of Rovers Group of companies.

The family recognized the need to establish favorable relations with the successor, considering the late Mr. Rovers' approval of their dealership contract, though he had remained elusive since the tragic incident that claimed his family.

"Even though Mr. Rovers managed his companies from his Villa and didn't meet with us much after the sad incident, he kept our deal going. We should get ready to be in the good books of the new owner. We cannot afford to lose our major supplier."

"Ralph, you must be the successor since you've worked for so long in Rovers Villa," Andre Summers mocked. Laughter echoed, except from Diana, Ralph's wife.

Despite Ralph’s union with Diana being approved and blessed by the late Summers Patriarch, Andre and others in the family never supported it, subjecting Ralph to constant ridicule and bullying.

“Never will a common gardener with no degree succeed the richest man in Rovers County,” Lionel, the third grandchild, declared.

“Even if there’s no one, it would rather be vacant.” Andre specially enjoyed taunting Ralph at any opportunity.

“Do you need any degree to control an empire? No. You only need intelligence, and I bet I am more intelligent than most of you degree holders!” Ralph’s response caused more laughter. Diana pinched Ralph to caution him from further responses.

“You must think Rovers Empire is a joke! Don’t even dream it. A loser and an uneducated person like you can never…I repeat…never be the successor, not even in your dream,” Lady Margarita said firmly.

“You can control the ghetto where you came from, Loser,” Dean added.

Diana looked so hurt—Dean was always at the forefront of taunting her husband and his wife, Felicia, enjoyed laughing when Ralph was being mocked. Even her parents, Blake and West, joined in the laughter. It hurt Diana differently every time.

Just then, Ralph’s phone rang and more laughter filled the air. Unbothered, he picked the call and spoke quietly into the receiver.

“Diana? Don’t you think your lowly husband needs a better phone. That sound can bring bad luck to the family.” Bridget remarked scornfully.

“I’m sorry, Aunt. I will look into that.” Diana had no option but to respond. Bridget was the favored mother of the favored son.

"I could offer you a loan. I suspect that you are experiencing financial difficulties," she said with a hint of ridicule, her words dripping with disdain as the others indulged in another round of laughter.

She was right. Diana was spending more than she could afford and Ralph's income as a gardener was modest.

Ralph was done receiving the call.

“I need to be somewhere. I will be right back.” He informed Diana and left immediately.

"So, now that the bad egg has taken his leave, can we continue with the original intent of this gathering?” Lady Margarita prompted, eager to continue the discussion about Mr. Rovers' successor. Her diction was as impeccable and commanding as always.

“Yeah. I suspect that Victor Sterling will succeed Mr. Rovers," Andre confidently declared, drawing attention back to himself. The family meeting resumed its speculation about the future of Rovers’ Group.

Ralph found the news hard to believe. He repeatedly pinched himself to be sure it wasn’t just his imagination. He felt the pain and concluded that it was indeed not a dream. Before him sat Attorney Will Smith, legal representative of the esteemed Mr. Rovers, who had summoned Ralph to this very conference chamber.

"This is Mr. Rovers' will. You and some other shortlisted workers were tested for various situations, and you were the only one who passed all the tests."

"Tests?" Ralph was still in disbelief, despite seeing his name and picture prominently featured in the will.

"Yes. For instance, there was a time you found a substantial amount of money in the garden while you were working."

Ralph nodded, recalling the incident. He had returned the money to Mr. Rovers, facing criticism from his colleagues who thought he should have kept it.

"That's just one of numerous tests. Do you also remember when you discovered a valuable antique hidden in the attic? The antique was intentionally placed there."

“You also did a favor for my client. Do you remember when you saved him from being hit by a falling tree branch during a storm?"

Ralph's eyes widened, recalling the incident. He had acted on instinct, rushing to shield Mr. Rovers from the danger.

"Yes, I remember."

"Mr. Rovers admired your integrity, bravery, and loyalty. Not only that, you are also intelligent and skillful that one would find it hard to believe you had never been to the four walls of any classroom. Before his passing, he made it clear in his will that you are to inherit Rovers Group of Companies, including Rovers Motors."

Ralph sat there, slowly absorbing the magnitude of the revelation. The weight of the responsibility and the potential shift in power dynamics unsettled him. It was a dramatic turnaround for him.

How would the Summers family react when they realized they were now at his mercy? Despite the newfound leverage, Ralph wasn't ready to reveal his new status just yet. The game had changed, and he needed to strategize before making his move.