Chapter 1021

His threatening aura was so overpowering that it froze the others in place. Not long after he left, Margaret regained consciousness and cried out, "Where have I gone wrong?!"

"Mom, don't cry! He's just an ungrateful child, and you know it. He doesn't even look like a Russell! He's always been distant! I've said from the beginning that this family shouldn't be handed to him, but Dad wouldn't listen! Look at him now! He doesn't even care about you!"

Every word Ralph spoke pierced Margaret's heart. She hated it, but she was powerless. When Hugo was alive, they argued about this repeatedly. She wanted to entrust the family to their youngest son. There was no reason for Hugo to bypass his son and give it directly to their grandson. However, Hugo was stubborn—he was the head of the household, after all. Once he decided Alexander would take over, he remained steadfast until his deathbed, and Alexander assumed control of the Russell family.

Margaret initially thought Alexander would be cautious around her, his grandmother, perhaps even nervous. However, Alexander was headstrong, unconcerned with others' opinions. He only displayed slightly more scrupulousness and politeness when Hugo was mentioned. Now, even Hugo's name held no sway over Alexander. He even declared he wouldn't hold back! The thought that he might drive her out of the Russell family sent a tremor of anger through Margaret.

Celine intervened softly, "I actually agree with Ralph."

"Huh?" Ralph momentarily forgot his outburst.

"That he doesn't look like one of us." Celine paused, then moved to Margaret's side, whispering, "Honestly, I thought he wasn't our biological nephew when he was younger. He doesn't look exactly like Patrick, though he resembles him somewhat. And their temperaments are polar opposites! Patrick was generous, docile, and honest. Alexander is nothing like him!"

Celine's words sparked a thought process in Margaret, who bowed her head in contemplation.

"It's all because of his wretched mother!" Ralph spat bitterly. "And Patrick played a part too! He wouldn't listen and insisted on marrying that woman. He brought a scourge into our family. Look at how harmonious we used to be! Who knows, maybe that woman killed Nigel and Tyson as well!"

At this, Margaret's face darkened, and she hissed, "Don't talk nonsense!" Despite her words, doubt flickered in her eyes. She had considered this before. The deaths of her grandsons haunted her. Heartbroken, she poured her love into her youngest son. She suspected foul play, but Hugo, while alive, insisted the deaths were accidental after an investigation. Though she disbelieved him, she dared not rebuke her husband, silently watching him grow weary, day by day.

The past resurfaced, leaving her choked with emotion. "Even if she didn't kill them, nothing good has happened to our family since she arrived. Now, Alex seems to have secrets. After all these years, none of us knew he was such a skilled kickboxer! Who knows what Dad taught him, or what else he gave him?"

Celine's words, though soft and unhurried, resonated. Margaret hesitated before saying, "I don't think so! Though your father favored him, he never hid anything from me, and I'm grateful for that."

"Perhaps, but did you know Alex knows kickboxing? He even hurt Heather, who's defeated countless elite kickboxers. Who taught him? Did Dad ever tell you?"