Chapter 1019

Now, it was Ralph's turn to be speechless. It was true; sparring inevitably produced winners and losers, and injuries were common. Heather, he acknowledged, was no feeble woman. Even as he spoke, however, guilt gnawed at him. His words had been unjustified, and Alexander's rebuttal left him stunned.

Celine, who had been quietly observing, calmly interjected, "Alex, you're right. Even in sparring, why would Heather choose to spar with you? And when did you become so proficient in kickboxing? As your aunt, mother, and grandmother, I've never heard of it."

Her words jolted Ralph back to reality. "Yes! Exactly! When did you learn to kickbox like that? What are you trying to prove?"

"Grandpa took me to classes when I was younger. It wasn't a secret, but apparently, no one noticed. As for what I'm trying to prove…" Alexander's sharp gaze fixed on Ralph. "Uncle, how did my second and third uncles die? The men in our family are so frail. Don't you understand why I learned kickboxing?"

Flustered, Ralph stammered, "I… how would I know?!" He immediately felt the amissness of his response and jumped up. "What are you implying?! My brothers' deaths have nothing to do with me! I was only a child! Besides, why does your kickboxing training matter? We're asking where and from whom you learned it!"

He found his rhythm, growing increasingly agitated. "Yeah! Tell me where you learned! Dad sent you to kickboxing classes because he knew you were frail and wanted to strengthen you. Not to bully your family! Aren't you ashamed to call yourself his grandson after what you've done?"

Ralph's eyes gleamed at the mention of Hugo. He was the most important person in Alexander's heart, the only one Alexander would listen to while he was alive. Alexander frowned. "You have no right to use Grandpa's name to guilt-trip me!"

"I do!" Margaret interrupted. "Your uncle is right. Your grandpa spoiled you for years. I've warned him, but he pitied you for losing your father so young and loved you dearly. Now look at you! You disrespect your elders and disregard my feelings! You've never listened to me, and while I didn't blame you before, it's become excessive. You've ousted family members from the company and married without my consent. That woman of yours…" She paused, realizing something was missing. "Didn't I tell you to bring her? Where is she?"

"She's not feeling well," Alexander replied lightly. He hadn't even told Lily he was coming. He knew it wasn't a good idea, so why bring her?

"Look at yourself! What did I just say?!" Margaret was practically incandescent. "You're a grown man now! Hugo, I hope you see this from heaven. Look at the grandson you raised. He'll be the death of me!"

Tears streamed down Margaret's face. She looked utterly aggrieved.

"Mom, don't," Ralph quickly soothed her before turning back to Alexander. "Look what you've done to your grandmother! You have no regard for us anymore! You hurt your aunt, angered your grandmother, constantly talk back, and ousted us from the company. What a nephew you are!"