Chapter 1012

"If you want to fight, come find me. Don't hurt my wife. Otherwise, you'll face my retaliation!"

Heather finally understood why Alexander’s name inspired such fear.

“Oh, I didn’t expect Mr. Russell to be so infatuated,” she scoffed. Then, remembering something, she added, “Are you still denying the existence of that handbook? I never expected the Russells to keep such sophisticated kickboxing skills a secret for so long!”

“As I said, the Russells possess no secret handbook,” he replied softly but firmly.

“Pfft, aren’t you going to admit it?”

Heather’s anger and frustration simmered. She was angry at her inability to defeat him; she knew she wasn’t his match. Alexander was merely here to demonstrate that she couldn't reach Lily without overcoming him. She was annoyed that the thing she’d always craved was so close, yet remained out of reach.

It was clear Alexander possessed incredible kickboxing skills, but his refusal to acknowledge them disgusted her.

“Whether you believe it or not, the Russell family is not part of your ‘ancient kickboxing world,’ and they’ve never considered being. Not everyone who knows kickboxing comes from a family of kickboxers. There are thousands of so-called ‘secret handbooks’ in the world. How many do you intend to find and study?”

“I won’t give up as long as I’m alive!” Heather fiercely exclaimed through gritted teeth.

“That’s your choice.” Alexander turned, knowing he couldn’t persuade her. “Don’t forget what I said. Don’t provoke my wife again!”

He left. Heather glared at his retreating back, holding her breath until he disappeared. Her tension finally released, a surge of blood rising in her chest before she spat it out. “Hmph! Cough, cough, cough!”

Ralph arrived to find this scene, his shock palpable.

“Are you okay?!” he cried, rushing to her side and supporting her.

Heather, violently coughing, didn’t question his presence.

“You… I…” Ralph, completely unprepared for this, was momentarily lost. He looked around helplessly.

“Pour me a glass of water,” she weakly requested, finally catching her breath.

“Oh, okay!” He looked around, unsure where to find water, then hurriedly called, “Someone, anyone, quickly pour me a glass of water!” Heather was speechless.

Sitting weakly on the sofa, she felt exhausted and frustrated; a wave of depression washed over her.

Ralph, noticing her silence, was astonished.

“How did you get hurt? Who hurt you? I won’t let him go! Don’t worry, I’ll avenge you!” His words sounded hollow, causing Heather to squint at him.

An idea struck her. She reached out, grabbed his neck, and pulled him close.

“Tell me which bastard hurt you…”

Ralph, caught off guard, felt his neck tighten as Heather pulled him forward.