Chapter 1018

Margaret's walking stick jabbed the ground, a silent expression of her anger.

"Is she hurt?"

Alexander, ever calculating, weighed his options. Initially, the fight shouldn't have injured Heather. However, her pride fueled her aggressive tactics, forcing a reciprocal response. His counter-moves proved heavier than intended, raising concerns for her well-being.

"Did she complain to others?" he wondered. Such behavior seemed uncharacteristic for someone of her strength. Was this a maneuver to pressure him through the Russells?

"She was so badly injured she vomited blood!" Ralph roared, turning to Margaret. "Mom, you didn't see her house when I arrived! Tables were overturned, and the blood she vomited... a small puddle on the floor." He continued, his voice rising, "She's still recovering! She'd be dead without her kickboxing training! Imagine the scandal – a murderer amongst the Russells! Our reputation would be ruined!"

He met Alexander's gaze. "This brat would destroy everything we've built!"

Margaret's face hardened at the threat to the family's reputation. Her eyes flushed. "Alexander, apologize! I don't care about your reasons or that it was sparring. You hurt your aunt. Apologize, or…"

She faltered, unable to formulate a suitable threat. Her grandson held the family's power; she had little leverage. Yet, the resemblance to his late mother, Lily – a woman she'd disapproved of – fueled her resolve. It felt like a mocking gesture. But Alexander remained patriarch, regardless of her approval.

"Or you're disowned!" she finally declared.

"Disowning me, Grandma?" Alexander asked calmly.

"It's your interpretation," she muttered.

"Not really, Grandma. A disownment requires a formal family council, a discussion in the ancestral hall. You'd need to detail my disrespect and the reasons for my expulsion. This isn't something casually mentioned."

He knew the gravity of such a decision. He knew Margaret was bluffing, lacking the will and the authority to carry it out. He was deliberately goading her.

Margaret was momentarily speechless.

"Alexander, is this how you speak to your grandmother?" Ralph interjected, scolding him. "You hurt a feeble woman, your aunt! Apologize!"

"Uncle, you're wrong." Alexander shook his head.

"Wrong? Admit your mistake or I'll go to the police!" Ralph threatened, his tone cold. The police would act, regardless of the Russells' influence; an internal family matter would simplify proceedings. And the resulting scandal would damage Alexander's reputation.

Alexander countered, "First, Heather isn't my aunt. Second, she's hardly feeble. Many men have fallen for her. What's wrong with a little sparring? Is victory only hers? I want to hear your arguments. When did such a rule exist?"