(Five years later)

The Billard family gathered in the main family mansion for a meeting called by Joe Billard, the chairman of the family’s group and the patriarch of the household. Every individual bearing the Billiard name respected Joe first, before any other person in the world, not just because of his strictness, but also because he was the sole reason they could live in luxury today. If not for his sacrifices and his hard work during his youth, the Billiard group wouldn’t have been in existence, so everyone owed him their lives.

Everyone, including Simon Billard.

Simon walked back into the midst of the group after answering an important call from his cellphone. He rubbed the hand of his wife delicately as he took his seat beside her in the pavilion of the garden, and she leaned closer to whisper into his ears.

“Where is he?”

Simon’s gaze darted around the house, taking note of his cousins and his aunt as they chatted amongst themselves. “He should be here any minute.” He said to Monica, shaking his head as he looked down at the watch on his wrist. “I don’t think I have any more time to spare here.”

Monica smiled at him, and he shook his head again in return. His grandfather might be an important man in the family, but he, Simon, was an important man in his company, and right now, his importance was needed.

Why the hell did Joe call this meeting? He asked himself, thinking about all the possible reasons his grandfather would have to call all of them at once. Was he dying? Or was he about to talk about his will? No one in the family would expect Joe Billard to talk about his will because he was a man of very few words, and besides, all of them knew what part of the group was being given to whom. For instance, he, Simon, managed Billard Airlines and Automobiles; his cousin, Chris, was in charge of Billard Construction, while his aunt and her daughter handled Billard Hotels and Winery. The only part of the group that wasn’t being headed by anyone in the family was Billard Department Store, and Simon already knew whom he was going to be giving that part to when he becomes chairman.

His wife, Monica.

“Maybe he is here to hand over the mantle to you.” Monica said to him with excitement, and he was forced to break away from his thoughts and focus his attention on her.

“If you think Grandfather would easily do that, then you are mistaken.” Anabel, his cousin, who just took the CEO position of Billard Hotels and Winery from her mother, said, her eyes hovering between Simon and Monica. Simon turned to her with a forced smile, and she shrugged her shoulders. “He doesn’t do his things easily.”

“Whether he does anything easily or not, you know the chairmanship position belongs to me.” Simon answered, taking note of the looks on her brother’s and mother’s faces. “So, you really do not need to stress, Annie.”

“I am not stressing.” Annabel answered, shrugging again. “Unlike you men, I am not greedy. Billard Hotels and Winery is enough for me.”

“Let us hope you continue to say that when that time comes.” Monica chipped in, and Annabel rolled her eyes playfully at her. They were friends; in fact, it was through Annabel that Simon had met Monica, so they had no bad blood between them. “Grandfather calls a meeting, and the only thing you all are thinking of is his death and chairmanship position.” Chris said, shaking his head at the three of them. “A very big shame it is indeed.”

Simon opened his mouth to respond to his query, but the sudden way in which his aunt stood from her seat had him turning in her direction, only to notice that their grandfather was now approaching the pavilion they were all gathered in, with the son of his late personal assistant walking directly beside him. Simon squinted his eyes to be sure he saw well before turning to look at Annabel.

“Is that Matt Bassett?” He asked, and she nodded.

“He is Grandfather’s new assistant. Took over from his late father last week.”

“Grandfather is only being generous.” Chris chipped in, and they all turned to look at him. “I am sure he is only compensating since his father worked with Billard Group for a very long time.”

Of course. Simon nodded, turning to eye both men as they got to the pavilion.

Joe Billard, a man of very tall build who still walked like he was in his fifties, looked at his family for a while before signaling for them to sit, and they all did.

“I am sure you all are wondering why I called this meeting.” He said with his usual stoic voice, turning to Matt, who continued to stand, and offering him a seat. Simon eyed Matt again, recalling that they had never been on the very best of terms while growing up, which left him wondering what the hell his grandfather was planning.

“Indeed, we are wondering, grandfather.” He said, turning to look squarely into Joe’s eyes. “And you have kept us waiting; some of us have very important places to be.”

“Of course, you are the only one arrogant enough to talk back at me.” Joe chastised him, but Simon smiled, knowing his grandfather was only doing so with love. “And sorry for keeping you all waiting.” Joe continued, turning to offer them an apologetic look.

“It’s okay, Father. I believe we all have time.” Simon's aunt: Jean said, smiling at him.

“Good.” Joe replied, turning to signal to Matt, who stood abruptly from his seat and dashed out of the garden.

Simon squinted his eyes, already having a feeling that his grandfather had something up his sleeve. In silence, the family waited until Matt approached again, but this time around, with a tall and very slender woman walking behind him. From afar, Simon noticed that the woman reeked of class and elegance, the type that would definitely not go unnoticed in a room full of people. The family looked at each other one after the other, and it wasn’t until Annabel gasped that Simon turned again to the lady walking closer, whose face became recognizable when she entered the pavilion.

And he froze.

“No,” he whispered, turning to his grandfather, who still kept a straight face on. “Grandfather, what…”

“I can see that we need no introduction.” Joe called, signaling to the lady to come stand beside him, and she did, her gaze scanning every one of them calmly before settling on Simon, who looked like he had just seen a ghost. “Let us welcome Sophie back into the family.” Joe continued, his harsh blue eyes staring intensely at Simon. “From today onwards, she is going to head Billard Department Store.” He added.

“What?” Someone exclaimed, and Simon didn’t know if the single word had come from him or from someone else among his family members. All he found himself doing, all he found himself being able to do, was stare at the woman who, five years ago, used to be his wife.

And Lord, how much had she changed.