Curtis's life had literally taken a 360-degree turn. The car he was traveling in with his escort had overturned and tumbled a thousand times until it was completely destroyed.He had been unconscious for a few minutes, but it felt like he had lived an entire lifetime in those moments.He vividly recalled all the abuse and mistreatment he had endured in the Ballmer mansion when he was a mere aspiring son-in-law. He especially remembered the day that marked him forever within that luxurious estate.It was a day when Charles Ballmer decided to play a prank on him in the middle of the street."Son-in-law.""Mr. Ballmer.""Thank God you're here. You're just the person I needed.""Tell me, what do you need me for?""I'm such a fool; I just locked my keys inside the limo.""Why not just call one of your drivers to come get you?""That's not the attitude I expect from a son-in-law. I knew you didn't have what it takes to be part of the family.""Alright, fine... You win. What do I need to do?
Curtis's hands were throbbing with pain after cleaning the entire mansion with a simple mop, trimming all the bushes, and cleaning the gigantic pools. He just wished for a good rest in the tiny room they had given him to sleep while working for the Stanton family.Curtis could barely rest his head against the pillow when he heard his fake name being shouted in the distance."Norton!"He couldn't believe it. It was eight in the evening; what could they want from him at this hour?Curtis walked to the main hall, where he encountered the three Stanton siblings. Cambell, whom Curtis had already had the misfortune of meeting.There was also Carson, the older brother and the man currently representing the family's business due to Mr. Stanton's poor health.Lastly, there was Agatha, the middle sister and the only daughter of Mr. Stanton. They were all spoiled and hateful children, all equally terrible people, all hating the poor with the same intensity."How can I serve you?" Curtis asked, a
The next day, Curtis woke up a bit early to fulfill his duties from the first hour. However, he needed a good shower before being ready—a refreshing cold bath to feel as fresh as a lettuce.Heading towards one of the luxurious bathrooms in the mansion, Curtis was intercepted by Carson before reaching the shower."Where the hell do you think you're going?" Carson sneered, noticing Curtis carrying an old cloth on his shoulder and a used soap bar in his hands—the typical image of the poor man Carson despised."I'm going to one of the bathrooms... I need to shower," Curtis said with a trembling voice."Those bathrooms are only for important people," exclaimed Carson."Sir, but I...""But nothing, Norton. Don't get confused. Just because you got lucky last night, and my father defended you... that doesn't make you part of the family.""Then where can I shower?""I suppose there's a shower in the gardener's room.""With all due respect, Mr. Carson, but in that place, there's barely a bed to
Carson arrived the next day after a night of partying and drinks with friends. He had spent a lot of money at one of the wildest parties of the year. He had a slight hangover, and every loud sound bothered him that morning. Nevertheless, he decided to go to the mansion to check on his father. "Dad... still alive?" Carson jokingly asked as he opened the door to the room. "Come in, my son," Joseph said from the other side. Carson was surprised when he saw Joseph's room completely clean. "Did Norton do this?" Carson asked, amazed. "Yes, he's a very good lad." "Norton is trash, Dad... I just hope he also cleaned my room." "I don't want you to mistreat Norton." "Are you going to keep defending him, Dad?" "He's just the gardener. He shouldn't have to do mansion chores." "And who will do them then? ... You? ..." Carson couldn't hold back his mocking laughter and burst into a couple of laughs in front of his elderly father. "I don't have the strength to argue with you," Joseph sai
A couple of days had passed since Joseph appointed Curtis as his new personal assistant.A noticeable change occurred in both of their lives. Joseph had someone to attend to him and provide the support he needed, while Curtis had stopped receiving as many humiliations from the Stanton brothers. Although occasionally they mocked him and played a few pranks.The annoyance of Carson, Cambell, and Agata was evident. They were now forced to handle their own household tasks. Curtis was no longer there to clean up their mess and fix the chaos in their rooms.There was also a change in Joseph. He appeared much more active and smiling. There was no doubt that Curtis' company was positively influencing him.Curtis had earned even more disdain from the Stanton brothers than he had before.Joseph was so excited about his recovery that he decided to host a dinner to celebrate his improved health. Nothing better than a feast with his 'beloved' children to mark this significant moment.Mr. Stanton h
"I refuse to stand here with my arms crossed while you spout such nonsense, Dad," shouted Carson, attempting to be authoritative."Much less me," added Cambell."Nor I!" concluded Ágata.The three Stanton siblings stood up from their chairs and were now standing, staring firmly at their father."You don't have to do this, Mr. Joseph. Thank you very much, really," Curtis insisted, trying to avoid a conflict between a father and his children."Of course, you don't have to do this!" shouted Ágata, filled with anger."Dad's money can only be for us and by us," asserted Cambell.While all this was happening, Joseph Stanton remained silent, observing his children's behavior."You're just a freeloader who has come to this mansion to take advantage of our father's old age," accused Carson."Yes!" said Ágata."Our father is senile; he doesn't know what he's saying."Insults against Curtis were thrown around. It was a full-blown attack against the poor guy who wasn't even at fault for being in
Some days had passed, and Joseph's health deteriorated again. The doctor prescribed spending at least a month on a paradisiacal island, away from the stress of his family.While Joseph enjoyed the sun on a beautiful Caribbean beach, Curtis was left at the mercy of the Stanton brothers and their deep hatred towards him.One day, Curtis was washing some of his clothes in the same fountain he used for bathing."Wash this garment too," Carson ordered, throwing one of his underwear in Curtis's face."Carson, please don't throw that at my face.""If not, what?" he asked threateningly, "Daddy isn't here to protect you.""Exactly... Joseph isn't here to protect anyone," Curtis said.His blood boiled with fury, and he clenched his fists so tightly that his nails almost cut into the flesh of his hands. His body trembled with rage, and the desire to beat Carson increased a thousandfold."What? Are you tired already? Can't take it anymore? Want to hit me? Go ahead! Hit me with all your strength."
Early the next day, the police inspector parked his car at the main entrance of the Stanton mansion.The Stanton siblings had reported the disappearance of some very expensive jewels belonging to their father. Among them, a wristwatch valued at over a million dollars.Inspector Ascanio was a highly corrupt and hateful man, always loyal to the interests of the Stanton siblings. He knew that someday these three brats would inherit Joseph's astronomical fortune and become the owners of the city.Carson, Cambell, and Agatha tried to look very distressed, pacing back and forth, with an acting performance worthy of an Academy Award."Inspector... Inspector..." Agatha shouted, pretending to be terrified.She ran to Inspector Ascanio, and when she finally reached him, she hugged him while pretending to be frightened."It's horrible, Inspector... My poor father has been the victim of a heinous robbery," Agatha said with a shaky voice.The inspector hugged her empathetically, but Agatha made su