Chapter 1026

She was only allowed out when her sister needed her. Consequently, she rather enjoyed Heather's preoccupation. She rarely had this much free time, and hadn't truly considered her future—she wasn't even sure she had one.

"Beep!"

The intercom buzzed, Chloe's voice filtering through.

"Ms. Riggs, Mr. Russell is here to see you. He doesn't have an appointment."

'Mr. Russell?!' Hannah's heart leaped, a face flashing in her mind. She quickly dismissed the thought. Initially hopeful, she now knew there was no chance it was that Ralph. Millions shared the surname. Regardless, she had no right to refuse him.

The door swung open as she reached for the phone to call her sister. Ralph stood there, impassive, Chloe beside him, unable to prevent his entry.

"Ms. Riggs, he insisted despite my efforts!" Chloe explained.

"Do you know who I am? I'm Ms. Riggs's fiancé! Why would I need an appointment? How absurd," he grumbled, though a furtive glance betrayed his nonchalance. He still feared Heather. His arm still ached, a lingering reminder of her unpredictable nature and a warning against provoking her again. Yet, he desperately needed the Riggs family's support, particularly this company. While not as large or prestigious as the Russell family's, it was still substantial—a new branch of the Riggs Group. Controlling it would provide the capital to compete with Alexander. Therefore, despite his apprehension, he had to come, to discuss their wedding date.

Hannah regarded him calmly, though her racing heart belied her initial elation. Chloe continued to speak, but Hannah interrupted.

"Let him in!" she said, her tone as indifferent as his. "Go make Mr. Russell some coffee." She maintained her composure, remembering she was acting as Heather. The roleplaying, once conscious, was becoming instinctive.

"Okay," Chloe replied, offering no further resistance. Despite disliking him, she left to prepare the coffee.

Seeing his effortless entry, Ralph didn't protest. Hannah's coldness was preferable to the unpredictable shifts between smiles and near-assaults. He stepped forward. "Heather, please, I didn't mean to intrude. I tried calling, but couldn't reach you. Then I saw your car at the company and assumed you were working. Am I...bothering you?"

He noticed the stack of documents on her desk. This was no small business. Soon, he mused, it would be his, along with all the Riggs family holdings. How glorious!