Chapter 1091

"I don't think I need to see it," Margaret said, her voice surprisingly calm. "Don't you already have an answer in your heart?"

She never expected her son to be capable of such devastation. When Ralph first raised his doubts, Margaret, becoming skeptical, agreed to a DNA test; its results would be definitive. If Alexander weren't biologically a Russell, it would prove his mother's infidelity, and Margaret would never allow an illegitimate child to inherit the family's wealth and business. However, everything had changed.

Ralph insisted that regardless of blood ties, they needed to blame Alexander and seize control of the family. "Mom, just give me the green light. It's our best chance," he pleaded softly.

Margaret always softened when he adopted this submissive, childlike tone. She readily granted his requests, just as she had when she'd helped him lure Alexander and Lily from home. This past success fueled Ralph's belief that his mother would yield to his pleas.

Margaret sighed deeply. "Do you remember that Alex is your nephew, your uncle? We're family if he's related to us by blood."

"Mom, why are you being so soft-hearted at this crucial moment? Have you forgotten how he treated you? How he ousted our family members from the company one by one? Celine and I had to grovel at his feet!" Ralph exclaimed indignantly.

His resentment simmered. Alexander rejected Ralph's projects but readily implemented others'. Ralph felt dismissed, untrusted; Alexander swiftly demoted anyone Ralph promoted. Alexander clearly aimed to thwart Ralph, even publicly criticizing him for seeking personal gain through the company. "Did he have to do that? It's our family's business! He didn't care about my reputation, so why should I show him mercy?"

"Mom, I can't explain this over the phone. I'll be right over," Ralph said, sensing his mother's unusual hesitation. Unlike in the past, she wasn't immediately receptive. He needed to speak with her in person.

"Ralph!" Margaret began, but he'd already hung up.

Staring at the phone, she breathed a sigh of relief, yet felt profoundly weary. She'd always claimed to be old, but never had she felt her age so keenly.

Hugo had been kind, attentive, even pampering throughout their marriage. Despite her children, she'd lived a relatively comfortable life. The loss of her sons was the most searing pain she'd endured. She'd meticulously maintained her appearance, looking younger than her contemporaries, but now, she felt the weight of her years. Exhausted, she turned to the mirror.

The wrinkles on her cheeks and silver hairs were undeniable, despite her efforts. "Was I wrong?"

Margaret opened the door to find Celine, her expression conflicted.

"Mom."

"Did you hear everything?" Margaret asked, her gaze fixed on Celine.

"No, just some noise. Were you on the phone?" Celine replied, her own feelings a mixture of apprehension and uncertainty.

Margaret nodded. "Celine, tell me. What should I do?"