When Beatrice Gardiner whispers, 'the ring', with a collapsing exit breath, her daughter Fabienne, takes the simple band and finds an inscription with two dates, three months apart. This becomes the backdrop for a tale of intrigue and divided family loyalties.

Samuel Gardiner was removed from Beatrice at birth and sent for adoption. When notified of his mother's passing, he begins digging into his past and swoops in on the grieving family, causing mayhem. Baffled resentment soon turns to rage when he discovers he has three siblings who stand to inherit the major share of their mother's estate.

Focussing his attention on stepbrother Douglas, he is unprepared for the deep-rooted feelings that emerge. At first the stepbrother's relationship is warm, both felt excluded from their mother's affection. They soon find common ground and hatch a plan. But Douglas begins to doubt Samuel's motivation. Will destroying his family finally bring Samuel the satisfaction he craves? The best and worst of human behaviours emerge, taking their toll on the now fractured relationships between the siblings. Who will win and will Beatrice's husband, Ralph, step up or cower in the shadows?