Roland hit the ground hard, the wind knocked out of him. For a moment, he lay there, dazed and disoriented, wondering what had happened.Then, he heard a faint voice calling his name. It was Anthony, and he sounded worried."Roland? Roland, are you okay?"Roland tried to move, but pain seared through his body, making him gasp. He felt like he had been hit by a truck. "I'm hurt," he moaned.Anthony rushed to his side, his face tense with concern. "What happened? Are you badly hurt?"Roland tried to sit up, but the pain was too much. "I don't know," he said, gritting his teeth. "I think I broke something. My leg. It hurts so much."Anthony looked around, his eyes scanning the wreckage of the building. "We have to get you out of here," he said. "But how?"Roland groaned, feeling helpless. He knew that they were in trouble, that they needed help urgently. But he didn't know how they were going to get it.Then, he heard a faint sound, the sound of sirens in the distance. "Help is coming,"
Roland stood before the staff of the Lafayette Mansion, his eyes scanning the room as he took in the faces of those who had worked tirelessly for the Lafayette Group. He could sense their tension, their anxiety, and their frustration. He knew he had a lot of work to do to gain their trust again."Good morning, everyone," Roland began, his voice calm and measured. "I know that things have been difficult lately, and I want to apologize for any stress or uncertainty that you have been feeling. I take full responsibility for what has been happening, and I want to assure you that I am doing everything in my power to make things right."He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I also want to introduce you all to someone who is very important to me. This is my sister, Sophia. She will be taking on the role of the young mistress of the Lafayette, and I know that she will do an excellent job."Sophia stepped forward, a smile on her face as she surveyed the room. "It's wonderful to m
Roland strolled through the lush green pathways of the Lafayette Mansion. He breathed in the fresh garden air and felt the warm sun on his face. He was looking for Butler Lucas, the head butler of the Lafayette family, who was known to be a man of great knowledge. Roland needed to talk to him about something important, something he couldn't talk about with anyone else.Finally, he found Butler Lucas sitting on a wooden bench, reading a book. As soon as he saw Roland, he closed the book and stood up. "Master Roland, how may I assist you today?"Roland took a seat on the bench and said, "Butler, I need to know more about Alex's mother."Butler's face turned serious, and he hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'm sorry Master Roland, but I cannot disclose information about the Lafayette family's private affairs. It wouldn't be appropriate."Roland had anticipated this response, but he wasn't going to give up that easily. "Butler, please. I need to know. Alex is my half-brother,
As he walked, Roland heard a commotion coming from the direction of the mansion's entrance. He quickened his pace and soon found himself in the middle of a heated argument between two men.One of the men was wearing a butler's uniform, while the other was well-dressed, with a haughty look on his face."You have no right to be here! This is private property," the butler said, his voice firm.The man sneered. "I have an appointment with Chairman Lafayette. He will be expecting me."Roland recognized the man as Thomas, one of his father's associates. He had never liked the man, finding him arrogant and condescending."What's going on here?" Roland asked, stepping forward.Thomas turned and sneered at Roland. "Ah, the black sheep of the Lafayette family. What are you doing here, Roland? Still trying to impress Daddy?"Roland resisted the urge to punch Thomas in the face. Instead, he folded his arms and said, "I don't have to impress anyone. Unlike you, I'm not a sycophant."Thomas chuckled
As he walked, he felt as if he was being watched, as if someone was monitoring his every move. He looked around but saw nothing out of the ordinary.He breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that he was just being paranoid. But the feeling persisted, and he couldn't shake it off.Roland quickened his pace, hoping to get away as soon as possible. He knew that danger was lurking around him, waiting for its opportunity to strike.He remembered his father's warning, about how family secrets were dangerous things. He had never understood why until now.As he walked deeper into the forest, Roland saw something shimmering in the distance. He walked towards it, his curiosity getting the better of him.As he drew closer, he realized that it was a small pond, the water reflecting the moon's light.He sat down by the edge of the pond, lost in thought. He wondered what he was going to find out, what secrets lay hidden within his family.He knew that the truth was going to be harsh, that it would bre
Seraphina sat on a wooden bench in the Lafayette garden, staring at the vast expanse of greenery in front of her. The sun had set, and the garden was now shrouded in darkness, save for the occasional flicker of light from the tall lanterns scattered around.She had been coming to this garden for as long as she could remember. It was her place of solace, her sanctuary away from the noise and chaos of the world. But tonight was different. Tonight, she couldn't find the peace that usually came with being there.She had a lot on her mind, and all of it was weighing her down. She missed the old days, when Chairman Lafayette was still alive and there was no one threatening the business and their lives. Back then, things were simpler. There was no need to worry about who to trust or who not to trust, no need to constantly watch her back.But most of all, she missed Roland Lafayette. Her heart ached every time she thought of him, knowing that he was out there somewhere, risking everything t
Roland's vision came back to him slowly. He tried to move, but he found himself tied to a chair, unable to escape.He looked around, trying to make out his surroundings. He was in a small, dark room, with no windows and a single light bulb hanging from the ceiling.His heart raced, and his breath quickened as he realized that he had been captured. He wondered who had captured him and why.Then he heard footsteps, and a figure emerged from the darkness. At first, Roland couldn't see the figure clearly, but then the figure moved closer, revealing itself to be a man dressed in a dark suit and black gloves. His face was obscured by a black hat pulled low over his face.Roland tried to speak, but the man silenced him with a wave of his hand."Do not speak," the man commanded. His voice was deep and gravelly, sending shivers down Roland's spine."I'm going to ask you a few questions," the man continued. "And you will answer truthfully, or I will make you pay."Roland tried to protest, tried
When Roland woke up, he found himself in a dark room. He tried to move, but his hands and feet were bound securely.Panic seized him as he realized that he had been kidnapped. His mind raced as he tried to remember what had happened.Then, it all came flooding back to him. The interrogation, the drugs, the man with the syringe.Roland knew that he was in serious trouble. He had no idea where he was or who had taken him.He strained his ears, listening for any sound that might give him a clue. But all he could hear was the sound of his own breathing.Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching. He tensed up, wondering what was going to happen to him.The door creaked open, and a figure stepped into the room. It was the man who had interrogated him.Roland tried to speak, but his mouth was dry as sandpaper. The man seemed to ignore him, instead pacing around the room."I'm disappointed in you, Roland," the man said, finally breaking the silence. "I thought that you were smarter than this."
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