The Billionaire Gardener

Chapter Twelve

The next morning, Diana awoke to find herself alone in bed, Ralph absent beside her. Did he even come home at all? Slowly, the events of the previous night flooded back. As she attempted to rise, Ralph entered, adorned in one of his usual work outfits.

“Hello, beautiful.”

"And where are you going this time around?" Diana was not in the mood for Ralph’s romantic greetings.

"Where else? Work, of course. Or have you forgotten I work?"

"Lol…you call that work? Where did you go last night, Ralph? What's happening?" Diana asked, concern etched in her eyes.

“Okay. Now I know why you are tensed. I went to return the card we used yesterday to the owner.”

"Return the card? Did it not display your name? How?"

“Yeah. You remember my friend from long ago that I told you about? He was the one who did it in my name to repay me for how much I helped him back in Vernice. But I can only use it sometimes with his permission. Isn’t he nice?”

“Who is he?”

Ralph hesitated before speaking. “You will meet him soon. He is a very busy person who doesn’t stay long in town.”

Diana's mind swirled with confusion. "I’m not convinced. I will believe you only when I meet him."

"Well, I think you should be happy I was able to get us some respect last night instead of worrying.”

“Not when I know it was not real. I don’t like short-term glory or enjoyment; you should know that already. Will you be able to continue giving me that kind of treatment? Definitely No!”

Ralph reached out to hold her hands. "Diana, I will get you the long-term enjoyment you desire. Even you will be unable to comprehend it.”

Diana was amused. Was it from his meager pay he would get her that? She withdrew her hands, grappling with conflicting emotions. "I don’t see that happening anytime soon. And with the way you spent lavishly yesterday, hope your friend is still going to help us with Grandpa’s remembrance present?"

“I will remind him. You just relax and be fine for me. I need to go now lest I lose my job."

“Wait! What part did you play in Andre and the others being thrown out yesterday?”

“What part? We were all there when they were disturbing the peace of the hotel. What part could I have played when I’m not responsible for making decisions for the hotel?”

“I thought as much, but I was only curious to know why you were not thrown out as well.”

“Why would I be thrown out when I was the victim of their taunts?”

“And what about the security man?”

“Diana! I’m just a poor gardener who went out with his wife to have a good time. How could I have known?”

Diana sighed! Of course, what was she thinking. He was right. Andre, Victor, and Stuart were disturbing the serenity in the hotel and the discreet owner made a move to curb it. He must have seen them through the CCTVs. The security man was also unlucky to be caught in act. She was just bothered for no reason. Her husband was a mere gardener with no influence, maybe now with a generous rich friend she would meet soon.

“Okay. I was lost in my unrealistic imaginations. My bad!”

“It’s fine, but don’t tell anyone about our rich friend lest he stops helping us. He likes being in the background. At the right time, you will meet him.”

“And what about Victor’s threat? He could make you lose your job.”

“No. He will be too busy with his problem that he would have no time for me.”

He gave her a brief kiss and made to leave the room before. Then his phone buzzed and he checked. It was the news of the previous night. He could see Andre, Stuart, and Victor being ordered out of Rovers Royale. He could imagine how Lady Margarita would react to the news when she saw it. He smiled and turned to Diana.

“Your time to shine is here!”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t worry. When I come back. Meanwhile, check your phone and check up on your grandmother!” And Ralph walked out without waiting for her response.

As Diana retreated to gather her thoughts, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off with her husband. What did he mean by check your phone and check up on your grandmother?

She checked her phone and saw the news pop up.

“What is this news circulating that you were thrown out of Rovers Royale by the mysterious owner? It’s all over the internet! Do you want him to hate us?” Lady Margarita said furiously over the phone, her stern expression revealing the anger boiling within her.

“Granny, it’s not what you think. I didn’t do anything. I was just in the wrong group at that time,” Andre explained from the other side.

“This is unacceptable! The reputation of the Summers family is at stake. I cannot tolerate such embarrassment, not even from you," Lady Margarita seethed.

“Grandma, it’s me, Andre.”

“So? I should bow and worship you while you move around soiling the family’s name? I just hope this won’t have any effect on the family business.” She cut the call, still angry. She had woken up to the news of Andre, Victor, and Stuart being thrown out of the grandest hotel in Rovers County.

Just then, Bridget sauntered into the room.

“Mum? I heard your voice. Who were you shouting at like that? Must be that loser!”

“No. It’s your spoilt son. Have you checked the internet this morning? How could he get himself thrown out of Rovers Royale? Is that not a bad reputation he had gotten for himself as the director of Summers Luxury Automobile and the entire Summers?”

“Mum? That’s Andre you are talking about in that manner. Your favorite grandson.”

“Keep quiet! And so? He’s my favorite because he’s making me happy by running the family business well. Any flop from him and he will find himself in a lower rank. You better ensure he clears up this mess immediately. The family image must not be tarnished.”

She said it! The business was more important to her than anyone. They had been fooled into thinking that she loved Andre more than business.

“You did not train that boy well, Bridget. What kind of a mother are you!” Lady Margarita continued scolding her.