Although Chump remained silent, he carefully controlled the speed, preventing Ralph's death. By the time they reached the house's main entrance, Heather, standing on the staircase, saw that Ralph was in no condition to scold her. His haute couture suit was in tatters, and he lay feebly on the ground, appearing near death.
"Oh, it's you, the famous Mr. Russell. What's the matter? I thought you wanted to say something to my face?" Heather curled her lips, her mood considerably improved.
Ralph wanted to curse her, but his body ached intensely. He suspected broken bones and numerous scrapes. 'How could she do this to me!' he thought. As the youngest son, he'd been pampered and hadn't faced such humiliation. He’d complained about Alexander inheriting the family business, but never experienced this level of degrading treatment. 'This woman dragged me around like a dog and still teases me. Is she truly the same woman who shyly accepted my proposal yesterday?'
Struggling to sit up, he examined his limbs, finding them unbroken but badly scraped and bleeding. Heather descended the stairs, stopping before him, her gaze arrogant. "Don't you have much to say about me? Here I am. Say it to my face!"
Ralph started to scold her, but seeing her icy glare and Chump standing nearby, he changed his mind. Spitting out sand, he mumbled, "Forget it! I'm not even your match. Do whatever you like!"
"Weren't you quite brave just now? Why the sudden change of heart?" Heather sneered, her contempt undisguised.
Pulling himself to his feet, Ralph attempted reconciliation. "Ms. Riggs, my darling, let's talk. What do you want? How am I supposed to cope with your erratic behavior? You might as well kill me rather than torture me. At this rate, you'll be a widow before we even marry."
Heather's smile vanished, replaced by ferocity. "If you spout nonsense again, I'll rip your tongue out!"
Ralph clapped a hand over his mouth. He knew Heather was capable of such a thing.
"Okay, okay, I won't mention it," Ralph said. "But tell me what you want. You must have a reason, right? If you don't want to marry me, just say so. Don't torture me. If you want revenge on Alexander, go ahead, but don't take it out on me!"
Heather's expression softened at the mention of Alexander. She'd been losing sleep over a secret handbook, a fact Ralph wouldn't know. However, she wondered if he could help her acquire it, given his family connections.
"You'll do anything I say?" she asked slowly.
"Even if I will, I won't know what you want if you don't tell me!" Sensing an opportunity, Ralph took a step closer. "Frankly, our mutual interest matters more than our feelings. What is it you want?"