Ralph had finished updating Giant Gerald on the story of his life, from his departure from the slums of Vernice to the present, yet Gerald still couldn't grasp why Ralph was concealing his newfound status—a status many would willingly flaunt."I need to prepare myself for public life. It’s not a lifestyle I'm accustomed to. Besides, I want to address my in-laws for treating me like trash all these years. It hasn't been easy living under their roof with my poor condition," Ralph explained, addressing Gerald's lingering question."I see. You have a supportive wife," Gerald remarked."Yes, but sometimes, she's torn between loyalty to her family and her love for me. I want to provide her with everything, but gradually. Let’s see how well she'll do with her new contract.""She's beautiful. She'd make a good model," Giant Gerald commended Diana's beauty."I know, right. Now, let’s talk about you. Have you been able to come up with any business ideas?" Ralph redirected the conversation to Ge
It was now evident to every member of the Summers family that the company’s name had been intentionally removed from the list of exclusive distributors of the new luxury car, disproving Lady Margarita's claim of oversight. A document delivered by a mail delivery man and also sent to the company’s email address confirmed this, further stating that Rovers Group would cease business with any Summers enterprise until further notice. Lady Margarita stared angrily at the document as if she could vent all her anger on it.“But the company will do business with Diana. How? Is she not a Summers?” She asked no one in particular. She hadn’t expected that to be the kind of contract Diana would get. Her frustration was palpable as she looked from one person to the other seeking explanation. Her family had gathered at the dining table at her summon. Obviously, Lady Margarita loved calling emergency meetings in times of trouble especially if it was bigger than her.Bridget, Wade, Bony, Wendell, Liam
“Fine. I signed the agreement in my vulnerable moment, and I have learned my lesson,” Diana admitted.“Good girl! Get the contract right away,” Lady Margarita said.The others marveled at how Lady Margarita eventually won the argument. She smiled mischievously, forgetting the bigger reason she had called the meeting. West was near tears. Her hope for a better rank in the family was about to be dashed. For once, she regretted pressuring her daughter into making such a decision.“On one condition…” Diana declared.Ralph smiled knowingly. Soon, his grandmother-in-law would have no choice but to ask him questions. The others were eager to hear the condition.“Condition? There’s no other condition attached to the agreement,” Lady Margarita clarified.“If Andre cannot keep to his vow, I have no reason to give him the contract,” Diana announced.“Andre? Vow? What vow?” Bridget asked.“Ask Ralph!” Diana replied.Lady Margarita turned to Ralph, who did not budge. She was confused about Diana’s
Two days later, Diana arrived at the headquarters of Rovers Group to submit the signed contract. Richard Anderson welcomed her into his office, where the other directors were already seated. As Diana entered, Victor couldn't conceal his contemptuous glare at Richard. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he should have been the one addressing the other directors, not Richard. Secretly, he yearned to uncover why Richard was chosen over him by Mr. R.R."I present to you the latest and the most beautiful model in town, Ms. Diana Summers," announced Richard.The others clapped, some willingly, some reluctantly. No one dared to question the criteria used in selecting Diana, who hadn't even applied for modeling at Rovers. They clapped, unsure if the anonymous boss was observing their reactions from his secret office."Emily, ensure she models the latest designs from Rovers Fashion and have the publicity team feature her pictures in the news as the newest addition to our models. In fact, pr
"What does she want?" Gerald asked."She's investigating, and she’s serious with it for her to come all the way down here on a work day. I didn't expect her to come here," Ralph replied."She's quite persistent. What's our next move?" Gerald inquired."We need to postpone the delivery. It must not arrive while she's here, or she'll put one and two together and realize the two Ralph Ross is the same person," Ralph instructed, dialing the bicycle shop's number on his phone."I won't be available to receive the delivery. Please reschedule it for another time," he informed the person on the other end before hanging up.The doorbell rang again."Is she going to stay there indefinitely?" Gerald wondered."It seems likely. She's determined, and I doubt she'll leave until she either sees someone or gives up," Ralph replied."So, we're stuck here until she leaves," Gerald concluded."Yes, she's now aware of you, and she's suspicious of me. I can't risk her discovering my true identity. I'll ne
Summers Luxury Automobiles was anything but serene as Bridget drove onto the premises. Determined to reach Andre through one of the workers who had been relaying messages, she felt the weight of Lady Margarita's ultimatum hanging over her. “If that boy doesn't show his face in this mansion within 48 hours, he can kiss his position goodbye. I'll reinstate a more competent Summers to deal with the mess we're in!” Lady Margarita's threat rang in Bridget's ears, urging her to find Andre at any cost. She couldn't bear the thought of Lionel or Liam taking Andre's place. Despite her efforts to track his whereabouts, Andre remained elusive. He ignored her calls and even hung up when she tried calling from a hidden number. She was not aware of any girlfriend of his. Sometimes, she wondered if he would never bring a girl home. He seemed determined to remain hidden. Frustrated, Bridget muttered to herself, “That boy is as stubborn as his useless father,” as she hurried out of her car to invest
Diana was recounting her first day at Rovers Fashion to Ralph when West stormed in as usual. “Mom, can you please stop barging into our room like this? It’s an invasion of our privacy,” Diana complained. “I can’t enter my daughter’s room now? Is that what you’re saying?” West countered. “This isn’t just my room, it’s my husband’s and mine. There should be boundaries,” Diana insisted. “I see why you’re talking to me like that. You’re the boss now, fine. But don’t forget to buy me the Elysian Diamond Necklace you got for your grandmother when you receive your first paycheck. It’s my turn to enjoy,” West said. “Mom, are you even sure her first paycheck will be enough for such an expensive necklace?If you are not careful, you will make her broke again.” Ralph interjected. “Is it your money? I’m speaking to my daughter, not you. And Diana, you have to deal with that little loser in your tummy before Lady Margarita exposes you as she promised today. Please don’t let them win. We can’t
Lady Margarita's shock at Diana's newfound prominence was clearly spelt on her face as she watched the news unfold. The sight of Diana being presented with a customized Rovers Luxuria stirred a mix of disbelief and resentment within her."Imagine this girl that was the least important in the family now gaining popularity fast. The way things are going, I'll have to make friends with her since she's now the apple of the eye of this anonymous CEO," she muttered to herself, contemplating the shifting dynamics."Are you speaking to me, my Lady?" one of the workers cleaning the living room cautiously inquired."No!" Lady Margarita snapped, her irritation evident. "Just do what you have to do and get out!"The worker, visibly intimidated, hastened to comply, eager to avoid further confrontation.Just then, West entered the room with an air of purpose, as if searching for something."Hi, mother," she greeted, but Lady Margarita remained silent, her attention fixed on the television screen wh
Victor was on his second bottle of wine when Gerald arrived. He waved at him, and Gerald made his way to the table. The pub was bustling, with music blaring loudly.“Why would you choose this place for the kind of meeting we have?” Gerald asked as he took his seat.“At least, greet first!” Victor said.“Am I here to greet? If you called me here to greet, then I can start greeting everyone as long as you pay me,” Gerald replied in an unfriendly tone.“You like money too much!” Victor observed.“Don’t you? Why do you work if not for money?” Gerald retorted.“Okay, fine. I was just trying to lighten the mood, but you’re obviously not in the mood,” Victor said, pushing the wine bottle aside.“I’m glad you finally see that. Why am I here?” Gerald asked.“To abduct someone,” Victor said.Gerald looked around to ensure no one was listening.“No cause for alarm. I chose this location because of its privacy,” Victor assured him.“Who do you want me to abduct?” Gerald finally asked.“Attorney S
Andre heard the knock a second time. He wasn’t expecting anyone. Victor was at work, and he had just spoken with him, who mentioned his phone conversation with Giant Gerald. Andre wondered who could be at the door.“Sabrina?” he muttered to himself, but then realized she would also be at work, possibly in Victor’s office. He walked to the door and peeped through the security hole, seeing what appeared to be a delivery man. He hadn’t ordered anything. Maybe Victor did. Cautiously, he opened the door.“I didn’t order anything. Wrong address…”“There’s nothing wrong about the address,” Bridget said, emerging from the corner where she had been hiding.“Mom!” Andre couldn’t hide the shock on his face.“Son! Inconsiderate son! How could you be this mean!” Bridget handed some cash to the supposed delivery man, who then left.“You went as far as hiring a delivery guy just to lure me out?” Andre asked, still stunned.“Because I knew you wouldn’t respond if you found out it was me,” Bridget rep
“Bright Moore, sir,” he introduced himself to the man in front of him, still standing. He was the last candidate for the day, applying for the role of a security supervisor at Giant Security Services.“When are you concluding your suspension?” Ralph asked from behind his glasses. He could see the shock on Bright Moore’s face.“Suspension? What do you mean, sir?” Bright asked innocently, wondering how the man knew about his suspension. He tried to figure out if he knew his interviewer, but he couldn't see his face clearly.“You know what I’m talking about, so stop wasting my time and answer the question,” Ralph said with a stern voice and expression.Bright could no longer lie. He concluded the man knew about his suspension from Rovers Royale after that ‘poor couple’ visit to the hotel.“I will round off the suspension in about four months’ time, but I have not been paid ever since then, and I need money,” Bright explained.“You deserve it, don’t you think?” Ralph asked.“I didn't do a
Asphalt Thompson was the next interviewee at Cabbage Master Laundry, so he went into the interview room where a man sat behind the table. The man had dark glasses on, so Asphalt could not see his eyes. Asphalt had thought there would be more than one interviewer but he could see that only one person was handling the interview.When the interviewer said nothing, Asphalt greeted, expecting further instructions."Asphalt Thompson?""Yes, sir. I’m the next candidate, Mr...""Ross," Ralph said, removing his glasses slowly.Soon, Asphalt could see him clearly, and recognition dawned on him as he fidgeted."Do you remember this face?" Ralph asked. He had the same disguise as the one he used at Lowell Real Estate that day.Asphalt thought about denying it but decided to be truthful since the man knew he was the same person. He stammered his response, "Ye... yes... yes... sir...""How do you feel standing before me for an interview that will get you the position of a production manager at CML?
Sabrina looked from Andre to Victor, seeking an explanation. They were now all seated in Victor’s living room, with Sabrina seated opposite them. When neither of them spoke, she asked the question again.“Why is Andre here when, I believe, his family is looking for him?”“I don’t think you should bother yourself with that. We are fine by ourselves and we need no intruder. You need to leave now. You shouldn’t have come here in the first place,” Victor said firmly, staring at Sabrina stoically.“I told you I am here to check up on you. Can you just be nice this time and let me breathe?” Sabrina displayed a boldness that surprised both Victor and Andre.“I can see you are high. Leave and never come here again. Our relationship is at work only, and if you don’t stop getting under my skin, I will have you fired.” Victor stood and pointed toward the exit.Sabrina stood and pretended to be leaving. “I should as well take this secret to the Summers mansion on my way home.”“Wait!” Andre stood
Dean Summers couldn't hide his tension as he presented his solution to the issues facing Summers Business. He was uncomfortable under the scrutinizing gaze of others, especially Lady Margarita. His father was seated to his right, giving him an encouraging smile. His wife, seated to his left, cheered him on despite Lady Margarita's disapproving look. Dean had always felt inadequate among the others.“Go, Dean. So brilliant,” Felicia cheered, while Bridget loudly hissed. Dean pressed on regardless.“This will help us partner with more businesses. If we hadn’t made Rovers Motors our major supplier, the impact would have been less severe. I'm confident there are other luxury brands from around the world we can source luxury cars from. Thank you.” Dean concluded, and only Felicia, Blake, West, and Fancy applauded him. Liam and his brother shot disapproving looks at Fancy.“You weren't supposed to applaud him,” Liam muttered to Fancy.“Why not? He presented well and I liked his solution,” F
Fancy arrived at the Summers’ Mansion just as Ralph was parking his bicycle. It was dusk, but the mansion was always well-lit, so she could see him clearly. She quickly exited her car and caught up with Ralph.“Hello, Mr. Ross,” she greeted as she matched his steps.“Just Ralph, please. Hello, Fancy,” Ralph replied, pausing to reciprocate the greeting.“Why? Does Mr. Ross strike a chord?” Fancy replied cryptically.“I'm not sure what you mean. Why would Mr. Ross strike a chord when it's also my name? I simply prefer Ralph.”“I understand. Congratulations on your new bicycle.”“Thank you,” Ralph said shortly, sensing where Fancy was leading the conversation.“You've already forgotten about the old one?”“There was nothing special about the old one.”“I know. I just wish I had seen it before it was taken away.”“And why are you interested in seeing it?” Ralph asked, though he knew the answer.“Nothing, really. Just to confirm something. So, how was work?” Fancy diverted.“Fine!” Ralph r
“Are there capable and reliable contractors anymore? The other time, that Giant Gerald took my money without providing that loser in his unconscious state. Now, just to abduct an attorney became a mountain for these ones too. I should have just gone myself…” Andre spoke with visible rage as he paced up and down Victor’s cozy living room.Victor watched the younger man with amusement as he spoke nonstop. He had called in sick to avoid going to work so they could strategize since their plan to abduct Attorney Smith and force the truth out of him had failed.When Andre noticed that Victor was just looking at him without saying anything, he stopped and looked at him questioningly. He had hoped to return home that day with the real identity of the anonymous successor to impress his grandmother and get back his position and relevance. Now, it was not possible as Attorney Smith had narrowly escaped their plan.“Is this a joke to you? What’s funny? Why are you laughing?” Andre said viciously.
"Pack your things and get out of these premises and never return," Emily commanded after processing Diana's denial, her skepticism still evident. If the news wasn't true, why would the Times Paper publish it? They were known for authentic reporting, so Diana could be lying."I am not pregnant. You can test me for pregnancy," Diana insisted firmly, wondering where the false news could have originated. She would investigate later, but for now, she needed to clear her name before it reached Mr. R.R. Part of her blamed Ralph for inadvertently giving the impression that she was pregnant."I understand it's difficult to leave all of this behind, especially the luxurious Rovers Luxuria, but you really have to leave this minute before I order the security men to throw you out," Emily declared with seriousness.Diana recognized the gravity of the situation but felt compelled to say one more thing before leaving, at least until she could clear her name.Emily's phone rang just as Diana was abou