Chapter 1010

"Isn't this why you came to my house? What's wrong? You dared to visit my wife, yet you won't open this?"

It was clear he knew Heather had attacked Lily. However, she wouldn't admit it. She chuckled lightly. "I don't understand. Why would I visit your wife? When? Your house? Oh, Russell Estates? My fiancé and I are getting married, so visiting is perfectly reasonable. While we're on the subject, call me 'Aunt.'"

Alexander didn't press her. His gaze fell on the box.

"That's for after you officially marry my uncle. You won't open my gift because you think I tampered with it, or that you won't like it?"

Heather looked at him seriously for the first time. She didn't see Alexander as an opponent. Kickboxing was her life; she'd been obsessed since childhood. The family business held little interest. If not for her father's expansion, the Riggs family wouldn't have such a strong foundation. She felt he'd been foolish to abandon kickboxing for business, despite lacking the talent himself. The Riggs family had once ranked among the top three in the ancient kickboxing era, but their decline stemmed from a lack of progress. She aimed to revive the family's legacy, restore its historical reputation, and establish its global dominance. All other families should revere the Riggs.

This changed her perspective on the box. He'd said it was the gift she desired. Could it be? Her eyes narrowed as she took the box from the maid and opened it.

It was a brocade-wrapped book. Heather's breathing quickened. She frantically unwrapped the cloth, her heart pounding. Inside was a book, but not the one she'd dreamt of—a meditation book.

"A meditation book?!" Her surprise morphed into disappointment, and she glared at Alexander. "What do you mean by this?!"

Her reaction was predictable. He raised an eyebrow.

"What's wrong? Don't you like it? I heard you're interested in my family's studies and books, and that you've read extensively since childhood, especially kickboxing manuals. Since we lacked a suitable manual, I thought this would be helpful. Kickboxers value the lessons they learn most. Regardless of the combat sport, the mind is paramount. Meditation mitigates the aggression inherent in kickboxing. This should be perfect for you."

Despite his sincerity, Heather's irritation grew.

"Are you kidding me?!" She twisted the book, bending it out of shape.

Alexander was taken aback. "Am I kidding? How could I be? I'm sincere, but you don't seem to like it. In that case, I'll take it back." He reached for it.

Heather pulled her hands away. "Alexander, just say what you mean!"

He hid a smile as her rage escalated, his expression turning serious.

"This is what I wanted to say. Just tell me what you want instead of playing games!"

He clearly knew everything. Heather sneered, but her anger subsided.

"Fine. Since you're so generous, lend me your family's secret kickboxing handbook."

"You're mistaken. The Russell family never had one. We're not from your ancient kickboxing world."

"You said you'd be generous, but you're hiding everything!" She snorted, her eyes hardening. "You'll never give in!"