Chapter 1068

Ralph had intentionally activated his phone's speaker so the gatekeeper could hear Alexander's permission. "So, can I enter now?" The property owner's consent rendered further obstruction unnecessary. Ralph drove slowly into Alexander's house, a sense of accomplishment welling within him.

Alexander's residence was notoriously inaccessible, even to him. Entering the compound freely filled Ralph with a quiet pride. In the living room, he found maids meticulously searching for the ring.

"I'll search for it myself. You can all leave!" Ralph commanded.

"But Mr. Russell instructed us to help," one maid explained.

"It's fine! You don't even know what the ring looks like! And just because Alexander trusts you doesn't mean I do! My mother's ring is priceless, a family heirloom. How can I be sure you wouldn't be tempted to keep it if you found it?" Ralph's rude dismissal stung.

The maids bristled. "Mr. Ralph, despite being maids, we have integrity. We've served Mr. Russell for years with no reported theft. You shouldn't humiliate us."

"Humiliate you? I simply stated that Alexander's trust doesn't extend to me. We're searching for my mother's ring. If we can't find it, are you willing to accept responsibility?" He moved toward the living room. "If I search alone, the failure won't be your fault; otherwise, we'll know who to blame!"

The maids remained silent, unwilling to shoulder responsibility yet hesitant to leave. Ralph's impatience grew; their inaction wasted precious time. Alexander's household, he realized, mirrored its owner: stubborn and uncompromising.

"There are numerous security cameras. I couldn't steal anything even if I wanted to! If you continue to obstruct me, I'll call the police and accuse you of attempting to steal my mother's ring!" Ralph yelled, pointing accusingly.

Alexander's butler intervened. "Since Mr. Ralph insists on searching alone, and Mr. Russell gave his instructions, we'll gladly leave you to it."

The maids heeded the butler and departed.

He turned to Ralph, speaking politely. "Please take your time. However, Mrs. Margaret remained in the living room, so the ring is likely here. The first floor contains Mr. and Mrs. Russell's bedroom. Please avoid entering. Thank you for your understanding!"

"Fine, fine," Ralph dismissed him curtly, gazing upward. "Enough talk, leave!"

The butler simply smiled at his rudeness and departed. Ralph was alone, save for the omnipresent security cameras and a suffocating silence.

Initially unsure where to begin, the butler's words offered a clue. The best hiding place was often the most obvious. Ralph was certain the ring was on the first floor, in their bedroom.