"My name is Roland Lafayette," Roland said over the phone. "I'm your half-brother."Alex snorted. "You've got to be kidding me," he said. "I don't have any half-brothers."Roland sighed. He'd expected this kind of reaction. After all, he'd only recently discovered that he had a half-brother, and he knew that Alex had no idea he existed. "I know it's a shock," Roland said. "But it's true.""Look, I don't have time for this," Alex said dismissively. "I'm a busy man, and I don't have any interest in meeting some long-lost relative."Roland felt a pang of hurt. He'd hoped that Alex would be more receptive to the idea of a new family member. But he wasn't about to give up that easily. "I understand that you're busy," Roland said. "But I think it would be worth your time to get to know me. We have a lot in common, and I think we could be great friends."Alex laughed bitterly. "Friends?" he said. "You don't even know me. And frankly, I don't want to know you. I have no interest in getting
Roland wandered through the massive garden, surrounded by towering trees, blooming flowers, and lush greenery. The scent of fresh flowers and the sound of birds chirping in the distance filled the air as he strolled through the winding paths. The garden was so big that it felt like a whole world on its own, with hidden corners and secret spots to explore.As he walked, Roland couldn't help but think about his half-brother; Alex. He had always felt a strange connection to Alex, even though they had never met. They had the same blood, the same father, but they were worlds apart. Alex had grown up in luxury, while Roland had struggled to make ends meet.Lost in thought, Roland didn't notice the arrival of Butler Lucas until he spoke up."Good afternoon, sir. I hope you're enjoying the garden," said Butler Lucas, his voice soft and polite.Roland turned to face the butler, surprised to see him there. "Yes, I am. It's beautiful," he replied.Butler Lucas nodded. "It's one of the bigges
Seraphina sighed in relief as she finished cleaning up the mess she made on the floor. She picked up the tray and walked back to Roland's room, feeling nervous and guilty. She knocked on the door and waited for his response."Come in," Roland's voice came from inside the room.Seraphina opened the door and walked in. Roland was sitting on his bed, reading a book. He looked up as she entered."Seraphina, what's wrong?" Roland asked, sensing her unease."I'm sorry for spilling the food on your shirt, young master. I didn't mean to," Seraphina said, bowing her head."It's alright, Seraphina. I forgive you," Roland said with a smile.Seraphina looked up at him, surprised by his forgiveness. "Thank you, young master. I'm glad you're not angry with me."Roland got up from his bed and walked towards her. "Actually, there is something you can do for me," he said, looking into her eyes.Seraphina felt her heart race as she looked into his mesmerizing gaze. "What is it, young master?" she aske
Roland stood there, motionless, still gazing at the door where Seraphina had left. He couldn't believe what she had said. His mind was jolted by a ringing sound. He checked his phone and saw that it was Katherine. It had been a long time since they had talked.He answered the phone, and they talked for a while. Katherine told him that she was back in the city, and she wanted to meet with him. Roland agreed to meet her at the cafe, where they used to hang out.Roland dressed up for the cafe, wearing a light blue shirt, dark jeans, and a black leather jacket. He wanted to look presentable for Katherine. When he reached the cafe, he saw that it was a cozy little place with dim lighting and a warm atmosphere.Katherine was already seated at a table in the corner, and when she saw Roland, she got up to greet him. They hugged and sat down, and Katherine told Roland about Anthony."He called off the wedding, Roland," Katherine said, her voice trembling. "I don't know what to do. I thought
Katherine sat alone on her bed, her hands resting on her stomach as she stared off into space. She couldn't believe she was pregnant. How did this happen? Who was the father? Her mind drifted back to the night of the party. She had been drunk and had made a mistake. She couldn't remember who she had been with.All these happened after she left her parents house for the city."It's not fair," she muttered to herself. "I never wanted this."She closed her eyes and tried to remember the events of that night, but it was all a blur. She didn't even know how far along she was.A flashback filled her mind as she remembered the moment she found out she was pregnant. She had been feeling sick for a few days and had gone to the doctor to find out what was wrong. When the doctor told her she was pregnant, she had been in shock."I can't be pregnant," she had whispered to herself.But the test results didn't lie. She was carrying a baby, and she didn't know what to do.Katherine's phone rang, b
While Roland was working tirelessly as the CEO of the Lafayette Group, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his accomplishments. He had always strived to make his father proud, and now he felt like he was finally living up to that expectation.However, on the other side of town, Simon had just been fired from the company owned by Debbie's father. He came home furious, slamming the door behind him.Debbie noticed the change in Simon's attitude and asked him what was wrong. Simon finally opened up to her, telling her he had been fired.Debbie almost lost it. "What do you mean you got fired?" she yelled. "You couldn't even do a single thing right?"Simon was taken aback by Debbie's harsh words. "I tried my best," he said defensively.Debbie rolled her eyes. "Your best wasn't good enough," she retorted. "Now how are we going to pay off the house bills and all the other stuff?"Simon felt a pang of guilt. He knew he had let Debbie down, but he didn't know what else he could do."
Roland leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Suddenly, he remembered he had a meeting with the board of directors in 10 minutes."Genie," he said, addressing the AI assistant. "Can you bring up the presentation for the board meeting?""Of course, Roland," Genie responded, bringing up the presentation on the screen.Roland went over the slides, trying to focus on the task at hand. But his mind kept drifting back to Maria and the kiss they had shared.He was so lost in thought that he didn't even notice when the board members started filing into the room."Good morning, Roland," one of the members said, taking a seat at the conference table. "Shall we get started?"Roland cleared his throat and tried to shake off his distraction. "Yes, let's begin," he said, starting the presentation.As he spoke, Roland couldn't help but feel like he was living a double life. On the surface, he was the successful and respected CEO of a thriving company. But underneath it all, he was a man struggl
Katherine woke up early as usual and started getting ready for the day. She was excited to start a new day but her mood changed when her Aunt Marie called. The phone rang and Katherine picked it up."Hello, Aunt Marie," Katherine said."Hi, Katherine. How are you doing today?" Aunt Marie asked."I'm doing well, thank you. How are you?" Katherine replied."I'm doing well, thank you. I was wondering if we could meet up for breakfast at the restaurant down the street," Aunt Marie said."Sure, I'd love to. What time should I meet you there?" Katherine asked."How about 9:00 am?" Aunt Marie suggested."Sounds good, I'll see you there," Katherine replied before hanging up.Katherine arrived at the restaurant and spotted her Aunt Marie sitting at a table in the corner. She walked over and sat down."Good morning, Aunt Marie," Katherine said."Good morning, Katherine. How are you feeling?" Aunt Marie asked."I'm feeling okay, just a little tired," Katherine replied."I understand. So, what d
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