Wealthy businessman Simon Berrenger runs a luxury retail empire. His sons Paul and Billy work for him but battle vices. Daughter Barbara craves Simon's approval. Granddaughter Melody is married to Todd, a Berrenger store manager.

Simon Berrenger is the ruthless, head of the high-class store that bore his name. His two sons are both working for him: Paul, the president of Berrenger's, who is trapped in a loveless marriage to Gloria and is having an affair with Shane Bradley, the chain's merchandise V.P. and Billy, who is in charge of P.R. and is battling addictions to both alcohol and gambling. Simon's daughter, Barbara, is a divorcee who had spent her entire life trying to win her father's love and approval. Barbara's daughter Melody is married to ambitious Todd Hughes, who ran the only Berrenger's branch store.—GusF