Chapter 1061

"Is that so?" Margaret looked suspicious, believing only half of Ralph's words.

"It's true," Ralph leaned closer, murmuring a paraphrased version of Heather's statement, omitting the threats. "I get thirty percent of the Riggs Group's shares if I find the secret handbook. And I can ask for more once I'm in charge."

He considered this. Securing the handbook would strengthen his negotiating position with Heather.

Margaret, though seemingly understanding, remained doubtful. "Is this true? I've been with your father for years, and I've never heard of any secret handbook. Is Heather mistaken?"

"Impossible!" Ralph shook his head firmly. "Don't overthink it. Her family's been in this business a long time; she's obsessed with this handbook. It's useless to us. But it's priceless to her. She wouldn't offer thirty percent of her company's shares unless it were incredibly important. That thing means more to Heather than the Riggs Group itself." He paused, then continued, "And how could Alex be so powerful if the handbook didn't exist? It has to exist, and the skills it contains must be incredibly powerful. Dad just kept it a secret—from all of us, even you."

Margaret, finding his explanation plausible, vented her frustration at her late husband. "Damn that old man! To hide something so significant from me, after all these years!" Her voice broke. "The family heirloom, huh? Not only did Hugo keep it from me, but he entrusted it to that little bastard! I bore his children, worked tirelessly for him, and it was all for nothing! I gave so much to this family, and he repaid me with anger and constant arguments!" Tears streamed down her face.

"Mom, don't be angry with Dad. He was deceived, too. Alex has been scheming since childhood; he's two-faced and probably manipulated Dad," Ralph said earnestly, framing his actions as being for the family's benefit. "This is a mistake Alex will regret! We'll set things right and restore the family."

"So, if you want my help, you need to find that handbook. Then, after we secure the Riggs family shares, we just wait for the DNA results!"

Margaret remained silent.

Ralph grew anxious at her lack of response. "Mom, are you hesitating? Have you changed your mind? Did Alex influence you?"

"Silly boy," Margaret chuckled softly, "Of course I'm on your side! What do you need me to do? Your father never described this book, so I have no idea what it looks like or where to begin." She admitted honestly that she had no memory of such a thing; Hugo had been secretive in his life but never about finances. The revelation of a hidden secret was completely unexpected.