“At the high-society Kirby family's opulent banquet celebrating their cherished daughter Cathleen Kirby's first birthday, amidst a mountain of gifts from guests, the little girl suddenly reached out and tightly gripped the hand of Jerald Dobson-her father's close friend, despite the considerable age difference between them. Everyone laughed, jesting that this meant Jerald would have to look after her for life. Later, a devastating fire engulfed the Kirby Estate, claiming the lives of the entire family, except the eldest son, Gabriel Kirby, and the youngest daughter, Cathleen. The relatives watched them like hawks, eager to control the two children to devour their assets. Jerald took Gabriel abroad for training and kept Cathleen by his side, guiding her personally. From that day forward, the only person in Cathleen's world was Jerald.”