The next day, Ralph met with Attorney Smith to discuss Emerald’s suggestion of giving the Villa workers a break. He valued Attorney Smith’s opinion on the matter.“It’s not a bad idea. It means they get paid without working.”“Not entirely. They will still come occasionally, especially those responsible for keeping the Villa clean. The place has to be maintained, even if I’m not using it right away. It’s a good excuse for me to avoid going there. My wife will question me less if she knows all the workers are on break.”“I understand. It’s a reasonable plan. It also gives the workers some well-deserved rest. They haven’t had a break for a long time. Let’s call it leave and a leave bonus.”“Exactly. I’m glad you see it from my perspective. I’ll call Emerald to organize a virtual meeting with all the workers and share the information.”“Let me know if there’s anything I can assist you with, Mr. Ross.” Attorney Smith noticed the bruise on Ralph’s hand. “Pardon me, may I ask what happened
Saturday had arrived, and the Summers’ mansion was bustling with preparations for Grandpa Andre Summers' memorial. The adjacent Summers hall stood ready to receive guests from various high-class families in Rovers’ County and beyond. It promised to be an evening filled with gatherings of the rich and a long-lasting party. Meanwhile, Ralph was at home, getting ready for the occasion when Diana entered, looking troubled. “Is that what you’re wearing? Wear something better. Don’t make me a laughing stock again tonight,” she remarked, her tone heavy with concern. Ralph sensed her nervousness and inquired, “Is everything okay?” “I’m fine,” Diana snapped as she settled heavily on the bed. Ralph suspected it might be about the gift but had chosen to not mention his plan to her, wanting it to be a surprise for her. “It’s about the gift, right?” “Is it not worth thinking about? Imagine all the kinds of people that will be here this evening. This is not just a family gathering where our e
The big fancy Summers Hall was filled with rich folks from Rovers County. Ralph and Diana walked in, Ralph wearing a fancy suit Diana picked out. It was his well-groomed wedding suit, a deviation from his usual top and jeans outfits. It had been difficult getting Diana to finally agree to show up. “Let’s just go. Not going will make it worse, Diana.” Ralph had advised, trying to get her to go by all means. There they were, in the midst of the crème de la crème of Rovers County. Lady Margarita had sent an invite to Mr. R.R., but Ralph had told Richard Anderson to represent him. So, he scanned the room to see if Richard was around, but he could not see anyone that looked like him. It was the meet and greet session, Ralph saw Lady Margarita talking with the Youngs, and Stuart, their son, was hanging around, though he was obviously scanning the hall to find someone. His eyes met Ralph’s and shifted to Diana. “Excuse me, Lady Summers. I can see Diana over there. I will go talk to her.”
“Diana, where have you been? Have you seen Stuart? He asked after you already,” West interrupted them, accompanied by Blake.“Yes,” Diana replied curtly, her annoyance evident in her tone.“So, why are you not sitting with him and his parents? Charlie and Mary Young will make wonderful in-laws.” Blake chimed in, adding another question.“Dad, why should I be sitting with him and not my husband? Have you not been following your wife around like a snail and its shell? Why didn’t you go sit with the Roberts’ unmarried eldest daughter who has been eyeing you since she came here? Steven and Stella Roberts are going to make better in-laws!” Diana retorted sharply.Simultaneously, Blake and West turned towards Nora Roberts, whose eyes were indeed fixed on Blake. West shot her a cold look before directing her ire back at her husband.Ralph couldn’t help but be amused by West’s jealousy-fueled reaction. He was grateful for Diana’s blunt response as he shot her an appreciative look.“Blake? Why
“Thank you for your hospitality. Ralph said you were so accommodating. You are such a kind and humble person. You even agreed to come here! Your kind is rare. Please do give him the job when you meet again next week,” Diana said graciously, taking a seat next to Giant Gerald since Lionel had occupied hers. “It’s my pleasure, my lady. You are such a good wife to Young Boss. He spoke so well of you,” Gerald replied warmly, his eyes twinkling with sincerity. “He did? But why do you call him ‘Young Boss’? His name is Ralph,” Diana inquired, her curiosity piqued. “I just like to call him that the moment I set my eyes on him. He looks like a boss of mine that I lost contact with many years ago.” Gerald explained with a chuckle, his tone light. Ralph shot Gerald an approving glance, appreciating his quick wit and ability to play along seamlessly. “Andre, what are they talking about?” Lionel interjected, clearly confused by the conversation. Andre could not give a response. He was still
“How did you know it’s Ralph Ross? Do you two know each other?” Diana inquired, intrigued by Fancy's recognition.“Is your name really Ralph Ross?” Fancy asked, her curiosity piqued. She wasn't as shy as Liam had portrayed her to be.“Have we crossed paths before, young lady?” Ralph inquired eagerly, hoping to gauge if Fancy recognized him despite his disguise.“No, but I met someone with that same name, a very decent man. He came to buy a luxurious house at my workplace,” Fancy explained.Ralph felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had feared his secret was about to be exposed. If Diana learned he had purchased such an expensive property, she might become suspicious.“Well, since this person was buying an expensive house, it must be someone else. Certainly not my husband,” Diana asserted confidently.“Why do you say that?” Fancy asked, intrigued by Diana's certainty.“It's clear. He doesn’t have that kind of money,” Diana affirmed, glancing at Ralph for confirmation. Ralph nodded i
Outside the hall, Ralph and Giant Gerald were met by a deliveryman holding a package.“Mr. Ross?” the deliveryman inquired.“Yes, that’s me,” Ralph confirmed.“Please sign here,” the deliveryman instructed, handing Ralph a clipboard and pen.Ralph quickly signed for the package, eager to unveil the surprise he had promised Diana. Gerald offered to carry the package back into the hall, where curious eyes followed their return.“What’s in the package, Ralph?” Diana asked eagerly as he approached the table. She appreciated the distraction from Dean and Felicia’s provocative display.“I don’t know. My friend didn’t tell me. I only know it’s an antique,” Ralph replied with a mysterious smile as Gerald carefully set the package down on the table.Dean and Felicia couldn’t hide their surprise. They had assumed Diana and Ralph had nothing to present. It seemed they were wrong.“Where did you get the money to buy this?” Dean asked, his tone skeptical.“Is yours missing?” Ralph retorted, raisin
Ralph raised an eyebrow at Andre's nonchalant response and repeated his question. "When are you going to lick my feet, Andre?"It was the day after the memorial—a Sunday morning. Ralph had just finished swimming and was drying himself off with a towel when Andre appeared, intending to use the pool himself.Andre looked bemused. "Lick your feet? What are you talking about?"Ralph reminded him with a smirk, "Don't tell me you've forgotten your bet already. You promised to lick my feet if we presented a gift worth more than five thousand dollars. And we did. So, it's time to follow through on your words."Meanwhile, the Regal Timepiece had become the centerpiece of conversation at the party, leaving everyone in awe and curiosity about how Diana and Ralph had acquired such a magnificent gift. Lady Margarita, in particular, couldn't conceal her surprise, realizing that her attempts to ridicule them had fallen short. Even West had been shocked to the marrow of her bones. In short, all membe