Chapter 1020: "Enough!"

Alexander's shout echoed through the room, startling Margaret, who silenced her weeping. She stared at him, wide-eyed, bewildered by his sudden anger. Alexander, though always firm, had been lenient towards his elders out of respect for his grandfather. But their actions had gone too far.

In recent years, while subtly reshaping company policies, Alexander had discreetly removed all corporate moles. He hadn't intended to dismiss Ralph, had Ralph been honest. However, Ralph's cunning and greed proved too much; his mismanagement of a branch led to his dismissal. Now, a minor shareholder with minimal bonus compensation, Ralph's removal had caused considerable family dissatisfaction. They relied on their seniority to pressure Alexander.

"As a Russell descendant, though my elders, remember I am the family patriarch. Have you forgotten our family rules?!" Alexander glared at Margaret.

"Grandma, was this Grandpa's experience? Did Grandpa's grandmother similarly pressure him? Did she make such demands?" Margaret was speechless, her age clouding her memories. Her life within the Russell family had been largely untroubled, save for her mother-in-law's disapproval of Alexander's father's wife—a woman of ordinary background but striking beauty. Alexander, inheriting his mother's beauty, became an object of Margaret's dislike, a constant reminder of the woman she despised. After Patrick's death, Margaret blamed Alexander's mother for her son's passing and transferred her affection to Ralph. With Hugo's transfer of power and wealth to Alexander, her resentment intensified.

Now, facing Alexander's interrogation, a chill ran down her spine. It was like confronting her husband; she remained silent.

"My forbearance stems from your place within the Russell family. Cross the line, and I will not hesitate to exercise my authority as patriarch!" Alexander's voice was cold. "Consider yourselves warned."