Chapter 1090

Ralph and Margaret were both angry. Margaret wanted her son to get what she believed he deserved, admitting her favoritism had blinded her. Yet, wasn't it natural to have preferences? She had always favored her son over her grandson, Alexander, the child of a daughter-in-law she disliked. Their relationship had never been close. God, it seemed, had played a cruel joke on her.

Interrupting Ralph's complaints, she asked, "Fine, what do you want me to do?"

"Mom, I need you to do one thing—just one. Promise me you'll do it," Ralph pleaded.

His serious tone commanded Margaret's attention. "Tell me," she said.

"Ignore the results. If you've already seen them, forget them. Remember, Alex isn't family, regardless of the results," Ralph insisted.

Margaret threw off her blanket and sat up. "What do you mean?"

"Isn't it obvious, Mom? I'm asking you to deny his biological connection to the Russells," Ralph pressed. "And don't tell Sister. I don't want her spreading this around."

"How could you? You're planning to corner him?" Margaret gasped, clutching her chest. She'd never imagined Ralph capable of this. She envisioned a family meeting, Alexander publicly disowned, stripped of his inheritance and position in the family business.

Margaret wouldn't have cared less about removing Alexander if the DNA results supported it. But they didn't. To do so now would be cruel and unreasonable.

Margaret took a deep breath. "Ralph, what if the report proves Alex is family? Isn't this cruel? He is family. How can you kick him out?"

Despite her desire to see Alexander removed from leadership, she'd never considered banishing him entirely. She could never forgive herself, nor face her late husband, if she did that.

"Mom, you've read the report, haven't you?" Ralph asked after a silence.

Margaret's kindness had betrayed her. Ralph was glad he'd called. He needed her cooperation to sway the other family elders. The report's contents were irrelevant; this was his last chance.