Bright Leaves

Brant Royle arrives back in Kingsmont, North Carolina, to settle his late uncle's estate. The return is filled with memories of his past, as his family's legacy in tobacco farming weighs heavily on him.

Years earlier, Brant and his father were forced out of Kingsmont by Major Singleton, a powerful tobacco tycoon. This conflict stemmed from Brant's family's reputation for growing the finest tobacco and his romantic feelings for Singleton's daughter, Margaret.

Brant's feelings are reignited when he encounters a runaway carriage driven by Margaret. Although the spark between them is present, Margaret maintains a cold demeanor, showcasing the complexities of their past relationship.

While navigating his feelings for Margaret, Brant meets inventor John Barton, who seeks financial support for his innovative cigarette-rolling machine. Intrigued by the potential, Brant decides to back Barton, despite having limited resources.

Brant reconnects with Sonia Kovac, his first love, who has now become a successful bordello owner. Persuaded by Brant, Sonia agrees to invest in Barton's invention, establishing a complicated partnership that hints at their unresolved feelings.

Brant, Sonia, and Chris Malley launch 'The Royle Cigarette Company: Fit for a King.' Their business flourishes thanks to Barton's invention, marking a significant turn in Brant's professional life while personal tensions simmer.

Margaret, feeling trapped by domestic expectations, starts flirting with Brant, leading to a complicated emotional entanglement. Despite her advances, Brant's ignorance of Sonia's feelings creates a wedge between them.

As Brant's business empire expands, he confronts Major Singleton, who represents his greatest obstacle. In a pivotal moment, Singleton proposes a duel, highlighting the deep-seated animosity and rivalry that exists between them.

The duel takes a tragic turn as Singleton wounds Brant and subsequently takes his own life. This shocking event leaves a significant impact on the community and brings bitterness to Brant's success.

Following Singleton's death, Margaret is determined to keep the Singleton estate. Brant tries to mend their relationship, but their complex history complicates any efforts for reconciliation.

Brant and Margaret eventually get engaged, but the shadows of their past linger. Sonia returns from Europe only to find out about Brant and Margaret’s engagement, throwing her into emotional turmoil.

After their marriage, Brant and Margaret's relationship faces turmoil, as her extravagant spending habits and refusal to share intimacy strain their bond. The pressure mounts as legal issues begin to surface for Royle Inc.

Brant discovers that Margaret has been siphoning off company funds and plotting with Barton. This revelation leads to a confrontation where Brant is left devastated, realizing the depth of her betrayal.

In a moment of anguish, Brant sets their home ablaze, exclaiming, 'Let it burn!' This extreme reaction illustrates his frustration and loss as his dream crumbles in front of him.

As Brant prepares to leave Kingsmont, he seeks closure from Sonia. Their encounter leaves a lasting impression, highlighting the irreversible changes that have occurred in Brant's life since their last meeting.