Roland sat beside his father's hospital bed, watching as he slept soundly. The past few days had been a whirlwind of emotions for him. He couldn't believe that his father, the Chairman of Lafayette Industries, was in such a critical condition.As he sat there lost in thought, his half-brother, Alex, walked into the room. Roland was surprised to see him there, but before he could say anything, Alex spoke up."I'm glad the donation has been successful," he said, his voice surprisingly soft.Roland was taken aback. He had never expected Alex to step up and help out in such a critical situation. He looked at Alex with gratitude in his eyes."Thank you, Alex," Roland said. "I really appreciate it."Alex shrugged, "It's nothing. It's the least I could do."They both sat in silence for a few minutes before Alex spoke up again."Look, Roland, I know we've had our differences in the past, but I want you to know that I'm here for you and dad."Roland was surprised by Alex's words. He had alway
Debbie got into her car, her hands shaking on the steering wheel. She drove slowly, her mind racing with thoughts of how she was going to apologize to Roland. She knew she had treated him poorly in the past and now that he was the CEO of the most influential company in the country, she wanted to give him her all."I can't believe I was so stupid in the past," she muttered to herself. "I should have treated him better. Now, I have to make up for it."As she got closer to the Lafayette Group, Debbie's heart started to race. She could feel the sweat on her palms and her breath quickened. When she got to the receptionist, she told her she wanted to see the CEO.Receptionist Sarah asked for Debbie's name and Debbie told her she was Debbie Ama. Receptionist Sarah thought inwardly that it was the same woman who the CEO told her not to let in. "I'm sorry, but the CEO is not in his office at the moment," Receptionist Sarah said with a polite smile.Debbie almost lost it. "What do you mean h
Roland drove tiredly to the parking lot of the Lafayette Mansion. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of his father, who was currently under the care of the Butler at the hospital. He had been working relentlessly to ensure that his father was getting the best possible care, which had left him exhausted. As he dragged himself to his room, he felt every step he took. He flung his keys on the table and fell on the bed. He was so tired that he didn't even bother to take his shoes off.A slight chuckle escaped his lips as he thought about Debbie's apology earlier that day. Did she really think that all her past wrongdoings could be forgotten with a simple apology? He laughed to himself, thinking about how naive she was.Seraphina, his maid, entered the room to check on him. She saw him laughing and was curious to know what was amusing him. She approached him cautiously and asked, "Is everything alright, young master?"Roland looked up at her, still chuckling to himself. "Yes, eve
Anthony sat down with his parents, Mr. Williams and Mrs. Maria, in the living room of their family home. The sun was setting outside, casting a warm orange glow throughout the room. Anthony looked nervous, twiddling his thumbs as his parents watched him closely."Anthony, is everything okay?" Mrs. Maria asked, concern etched on her face."I need to talk to you both about something," Anthony said, taking a deep breath. "It's about Katherine."The mention of her name made Mr. Williams and Mrs. Maria exchange worried glances. They knew how much Katherine had meant to their son."What about her, son?" Mr. Williams asked gently."I've been thinking a lot about her lately, and I realize that it's time for me to move on," Anthony said, looking down at his hands."Move on?" Mrs. Maria repeated, surprised. "What do you mean?""I mean that I need to start living my life again," Anthony explained. "I know Katherine would want me to be happy, and I can't keep living in the past.""But Anthony, a
Roland's eyes slowly opened as the morning light peeked through the curtains. He groaned and shifted in bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion and sickness in his bones. His head throbbed, and his throat felt raw and scratchy. He knew he should get up and start his day, but he couldn't bring himself to move.He laid there for a few more minutes, lost in his thoughts. His father's condition had been deteriorating, and the pressure of running the company was weighing heavily on him. He couldn't afford to be sick, not with his half-brother Alex waiting for any opportunity to take over the business.Roland let out a sigh. "I can't be sick. Not now, not ever," he murmured to himself.As he tried to sit up, he felt a wave of dizziness hit him, and he fell back onto the pillows. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart.Suddenly, he heard a soft knock on the door, and then the door creaked open. Seraphina, his maid, walked in, carrying a tray of breakfa
Butler Lucas walked into Chairman Lafayette's room with a smile on his face. The chairman looked up at him and asked, "Lucas, how is my son doing? Has he recovered from his fever?"Butler Lucas hesitated for a moment before responding. "Your son is doing much better, sir. He's still resting, but his fever has gone down significantly."Chairman Lafayette breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. I was worried about him. He's been working so hard lately.""Yes, sir. He has," Butler Lucas agreed. "But he's doing it all for the betterment of the company and for you."The chairman nodded in agreement before turning his attention to the doctor who had just entered the room."Doctor, how am I doing? Will I be able to go home soon?" Chairman Lafayette asked.The doctor smiled reassuringly. "Yes, Mr. Lafayette. If you continue to recover at this rate, we should be able to discharge you soon."The chairman smiled gratefully. "Thank you, doctor. And what about the hole in my heart? Is there a
Roland woke up with his body trembling, still recovering from the fever that had kept him bedridden for days. He dragged himself out of bed and made his way to the bathroom. After a quick shower, Roland looked at himself in the mirror with a worried face. He didn't look his best, but he had to get to work. He took a deep breath and started to get ready.He dressed in a casual outfit, something comfortable but still work-related - a pair of khaki pants, a light blue shirt, and a navy blazer. As he stepped out of his room, he saw Butler Lucas heading towards his direction.Butler Lucas, shocked to see Roland all set for work when he hadn't properly recovered, said, "Young Master, what are you doing up? You shouldn't push yourself like this. You need to rest."Roland looked at Butler Lucas with a determined glint in his eye, "Butler Lucas, I want to work. I can't stay idle. I need to be doing something."Butler Lucas assured him that the company was in safe hands and that Roland shouldn
Roland took a deep breath and tried to compose himself. He picked up his phone from the floor and tried to regain some sense of control. But his mind raced with possibilities, wondering what Alex was planning to do.As the car pulled up to the Lafayette Mansion, Roland thanked the chauffeur and driver before stepping out. He couldn't get Alex's threatening words out of his head, and he knew he had to be careful.Once he was inside, Roland went straight to his room. He poured himself a glass of water and sat down at his desk. He pulled out his notebook and started to make a list of all the things he needed to do to secure the company's future. He knew he had to be on guard because he couldn't trust Alex.Even when Alex was a big help to their father's condition, he still couldn't trust Alex.As he was deep in thought, Seraphina knocked on the door, "Young Master, dinner is served."Roland looked up, realizing that he had been lost in thought for hours. He stood up, stretched his ar
Alex Lafayette, a beacon of tenacity, determination, and unwavering conviction, possessed a presence that commanded attention and respect. With a lean and athletic build, he carried himself with an air of confidence and purpose. His eyes, sharp and focused, held a fiery determination that mirrored the passion burning within his soul.Alex's face bore the marks of his struggles and triumphs, reflecting the resilience and strength that lay deep within him. His strong jawline, a testament to his unwavering resolve, spoke of his unyielding pursuit of justice. The lines etched across his forehead told the story of a mind constantly at work, strategizing and formulating plans to overcome the obstacles in his path.His unruly dark hair, with a few strands of gray, symbolized the wisdom and experience he had gained through his journey. It seemed to mirror the untamed spirit within him—a spirit that refused to be subdued or broken.But it was Alex's heart that truly defined him. A flame of rig
Roland Lafayette, the embodiment of resilience, determination, and love, was a man of noble character and unwavering integrity. Standing tall with broad shoulders, his presence commanded attention and respect. His piercing eyes held a gentle warmth, reflecting the depths of his soul and the wisdom he had acquired through life's trials.Roland's face was etched with the marks of a life well-lived—a strong jawline, evidence of his unwavering resolve, and laugh lines that spoke of the joy he found in even the simplest of moments. His raven-black hair, peppered with streaks of silver, added an air of distinction to his appearance, a testament to the wisdom and maturity he had gained over the years.But it was his heart that truly defined Roland Lafayette. Compassion and empathy radiated from within him, shaping his interactions with others and guiding his actions. He possessed a genuine desire to uplift and inspire those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched.Throu
Months passed since Roland and Seraphina's enchanting wedding, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives. The Lafayette mansion, once again filled with joy and laughter, became a haven of love and harmony.Roland, now fully committed to being a devoted husband, made it his mission to create a life of happiness and fulfillment for Seraphina. Their days were filled with shared adventures, passionate conversations, and a deepening bond that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.As they strolled through the mansion's magnificent garden, hand in hand, Roland turned to Seraphina with a mischievous grin. "My love, how would you feel about embarking on a journey together? A journey beyond these walls, where we can explore the world and create unforgettable memories?"Seraphina's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, Roland, that sounds absolutely incredible! I've always dreamed of experiencing new places, cultures, and adventures with you by my side."With their hearts set o
Two months had passed since the Lafayette brothers, Roland and Alex, had reconciled their differences. The tension that had once loomed over their relationship had dissipated, and a newfound bond had formed between them. Roland, now aware of the importance of love and family, had decided to take a significant step in his life by proposing to Seraphina, his devoted maid turned love interest.It was a sunny afternoon when Roland finalized his plans to surprise Seraphina. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he sought the help of his brother Alex, who was more than willing to assist him in his endeavor. The brothers had grown close over the past two months, and Alex had become a confidant and a source of wisdom for Roland."Alex, I need your help," Roland said, pacing back and forth in his study. "I want to propose to Seraphina, but I want it to be special. I want her to remember this moment for the rest of our lives."Alex leaned back in his chair, pondering the situation. "Brother, y
Seraphina's words lingered in Roland's mind, her plea for him to make peace with Alex echoing in his thoughts. As he sat in his study, contemplating the path forward, he realized that her words held a profound truth. The pursuit of the will had consumed him, clouding his judgment and overshadowing the importance of family.He took a deep breath, his decision crystallizing within him. Seraphina was right. Blood ran deep, and no matter the past, Alex was still his brother. It was time to put aside the bitter rivalry and find a way to coexist, if not as allies, then at least as family.With a renewed sense of purpose, Roland reached for his phone and dialed Alex's number. The line rang for a moment before Alex's voice came through, tinged with a hint of indifference."What do you want, brother?" Alex's tone carried a mix of annoyance and curiosity.Roland took a steadying breath. "Alex, I want to meet with you," he said, his voice firm but calm. "I think it's time we put our differences
As Roland approached his room, a sense of unease washed over him. The air felt heavy, charged with anticipation. Seraphina's words echoed in his mind, reminding him that there might be more to Alex than met the eye. Could it be possible that Alex's true heritage held the answers to his behavior?With a mix of reluctance and curiosity, Roland entered his room to find Seraphina still waiting there. Her eyes were puffy, hinting at tears she had shed in his absence. She looked up, her gaze filled with concern and compassion."Roland, I'm so sorry for everything," Seraphina said softly, her voice trembling. "I never wanted this to happen. I never meant to hurt you."Roland sighed, the turmoil within him evident in his weary expression. "Seraphina, I... I don't know what to believe anymore," he admitted, his voice laced with a tinge of vulnerability. "Butler Lucas told me the truth about Alex, about his origins. It's hard to fathom."Seraphina reached out, her hand gently touching Roland's
Roland paced back and forth in his room, his anger simmering beneath the surface. The revelation of the will had shaken him to the core, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal. Seraphina, sensing his distress, approached him cautiously."Roland, please," she implored, reaching out to touch his arm gently. "There's more to this than meets the eye. Perhaps there's a reason why Alex was named as the heir. We should consider all possibilities before jumping to conclusions."Her words only fueled Roland's frustration. "How can you say that, Seraphina?" he snapped, pulling away from her touch. "After everything we've been through, all the evidence of his true nature, you expect me to believe he's the rightful heir? It's preposterous!"Seraphina's eyes filled with concern as she watched Roland struggle with his emotions. She knew the depths of his convictions, but she also believed in looking at the situation from all angles."Roland, I understand your anger, but we must keep an o
A stunned silence engulfed the room, the weight of the words hanging in the air like a dark cloud. Roland's world seemed to collapse around him, the walls of the study closing in. It was as if everything he had fought for, everything he had hoped to achieve, had been cruelly snatched away in an instant."No," Roland gasped, his voice trembling with a mix of disbelief and devastation. The room spun around him, his vision blurred by unshed tears. It felt like a nightmare, an unfathomable twist of fate that threatened to suffocate him.Alex, his face contorted with a mix of triumph and malice, stepped forward, relishing in Roland's anguish. "You see, dear brother," he hissed, "I always knew I would inherit what was rightfully mine. This empire was built for me, and now it shall finally be mine to command."Butler Lucas, his usually composed demeanor cracking, shot a disapproving glare at Alex. "This is not the time for gloating, Mr. Lafayette," he snapped, his voice edged with barely con
The lawyer cleared his throat, his hands trembling ever so slightly as he held the sealed envelope containing Chairman Lafayette's will. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air, as everyone in the study held their breath, their eyes fixed on the lawyer, waiting for the revelations that would shape their futures."Can you read out the will, now!?" Alex ordered with a commanding tone.The lawyer nodded in response as fear gripped him. With a steady hand, the lawyer carefully opened the envelope and extracted the document within. He unfolded it slowly, deliberately, as if prolonging the suspense. His gaze flickered across the words before him, ensuring that he had a firm grasp of its contents before he began."Before I proceed," the lawyer began, his voice resonating with a mix of formality and gravity, "I must emphasize that the final will of Chairman Lafayette contains several clauses, each pertaining to different aspects of the estate and its businesses."Roland's heart rac