Chapter 1087

"But..." The maid began, but Heather interrupted. "What? Do I look like I need protection?"

That silenced the maid. Heather’s proficiency in kickboxing rendered protection unnecessary.

Ascending the stairs, Heather paused. "By the way," she said, "have the people who came with me from the island pack their things and remain on standby for my orders."

"Ms. Riggs, are we returning soon?" The maid instantly regretted the question, Heather's gaze making her acutely aware of her transgression. She was merely a maid; such inquiries were beyond her purview.

After the maid departed, Heather called, "Chump!"

Chump materialized. "Ms. Riggs."

"I'll be practicing kickboxing for the next two days. Remain at my side constantly," she instructed quietly.

Heather permitted no one near her during her practice; only Chump eased her mind.

"Yes, Ms. Riggs," Chump replied.

Heather valued Chump's unquestioning loyalty. She would study the secret handbook over the next few days. Mastery, however, would require her return to the island. Staying any longer risked discovery by Alexander, now that she possessed the handbook. Furthermore, she intended to personally verify the techniques' power.

Ralph remained in his suite all day. His injured elbow throbbed relentlessly, yet a hospital visit was the furthest thing from his mind. He awaited news from his subordinate.

He mused, If the handbook is a forgery, did Alex anticipate my theft? Or did he create a fake to mislead others? Was I merely unlucky, ensnared by a carefully laid trap, believing I'd taken a significant risk?

Heather's words and the memory of his recent visit to Alexander's house echoed incessantly, inducing a splitting headache.

Awakening from a nap to insistent phone vibrations, he wondered how long it had rung.

"Hello?" He answered the call, instantly energized by the displayed number.

"Mr. Russell, about the handbook..." The other party hesitated.

"What about it? Any bids? Don't tell me there aren't any! If so, keep waiting for a potential buyer! Why are you calling?" Ralph's frustration fueled his sharp tone.

He ruffled his hair, stood, and opened the curtains. A foggy sky, still pre-dawn. What time is it? "That's not the case," the other party replied hastily. "Mr. Russell, I've taken screenshots of the comments and will send them. Please review them." He felt it best Ralph see the information directly.

"What?" Before Ralph could receive an explanation, his phone buzzed, displaying the received images.