Chapter 1097

“Don’t you believe me, Mom? I’ve already told Heather; she’ll help. Did you forget Alex hurt her too? Once I’m patriarch, Heather and I will cooperate—it benefits the family’s long-term growth. Alex, however, has offended the Riggs. With him in charge, who knows what dangers await?” He paused. “This is for the family’s good. Can’t you help me?”

Margaret remained silent for a long time before saying slowly, “Are you doing this for the family, or for yourself?”

Ralph was startled. His mother had never questioned him like this. It was the same thing, wasn’t it?

Recovering, he retorted, “Of course it’s for the family and me! Mom, you’re acting like I’m not part of the family! I’ll put the family first. I’m not Alex! I’ll help our family flourish!”

“Alex is family too. He’s my grandson. No matter how much I dislike his mother, he’s still my grandson,” Margaret said earnestly.

Ralph felt flustered. His mother seemed different. She usually supported him, but now it seemed she was defending Alexander. Had he brainwashed her? Had the DNA test changed her mind?

“How is that the same? He’s the child of a woman you dislike, and he’s just like her—never seen the outside world! He only cares about himself. He disrespects his elders, but I’m your son! How can I not think of you and the family? Mom, did Alexander say something to you? Why did you say that? Don’t trust him; he’s dishonest! Look how he manipulated me! Sweet words are easy for him!”

“Exactly,” Margaret sighed. “It would be easy if he’d said nice things, but in all these years, he’s barely spoken two words to me.”

Ralph was perplexed. Why did Margaret seem to favor Alexander? Before he could ask, he heard her say, “What do you want to do?”

This shift surprised him. It seemed she agreed. Overjoyed, he said, “It’s simple. I’ll gather the family elders; they’ll witness this. Then, call Alex and announce the DNA results. We’ll tell them Alex isn’t a Russell, that he has no claim to the family. He won’t be qualified to lead.”

Margaret asked, “Convincing the family won’t be hard, but what about the company?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll contact the shareholders. They knew Dad. They won’t let the company fall to an outsider. Soon, everything will be ours again!” Ralph clenched his fists. Victory was near.