Heather knew Hannah’s response was justified. She always reacted similarly in comparable situations. Hannah, lacking full context, often used vague language to avoid revealing anything amiss. Hannah simply agreed or disagreed, leaving the final decision to Heather. This time, however, Ralph was involved, and Heather suspected Hannah’s unusually strong reaction stemmed from lingering feelings for him.
“I see. Ralph didn’t say anything else, did he?” Heather leaned back, relaxing slightly, her anger visibly subsiding.
Hannah shook her head, then paused, recalling something. “Oh, right. He said there’s a family meeting at the Russell family estate this Saturday, and he wants you to go. He wants you to witness him becoming head of the family.”
“Him?! Is he still dreaming?” Heather laughed, tears welling up. It was a rare, hearty laugh.
Hannah pursed her lips, offering no opinion.
Heather mused, A Russell family meeting on Saturday. Interesting that he invited me. Is he unafraid of the criticism?
“Aren’t you going?” Hannah hesitantly asked.
“Of course! How can I miss such an interesting event? I’ll treat it as a show, if he embarrasses himself. Besides, I want to meet that person again.” Heather referred to Alexander and his wife. She’d previously avoided them, lacking comparable opponents, but now anticipated a challenging match.
Despite her recent acquisition of the secret handbook, her kickboxing had improved dramatically. This seemed the perfect opportunity to gauge the gap between them. “That person… will you be in danger? Maybe I should go instead!” Hannah’s concern was immediate.
Heather glared. “It’s not your turn yet! I have something to do! Are you hoping to use this as an opportunity to see Ralph?”
“Of course not! I have no feelings for him anymore. He’s just a smooth-talker. My sister, and you, are the only ones who matter to me.” Heather, though pleased by the affirmation, found the constant repetition tiresome. Rubbing her ears, she said, “I get it. No need to constantly prove your loyalty. You weren’t always like this. I’ll know if you’re disloyal, and if you have other intentions, you should know what I’m capable of.”
“Of course, Heather,” Hannah replied, carefully placing her coat down. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll return to my room.”
Heather nodded silently.
Hannah quietly returned to her basement room, closing the door behind her. The dim space was her sanctuary, a place of belonging despite the limited sunlight. Sitting in the corner, she retrieved a small, misshapen gold lump from a crevice in the bed. It was barely recognizable as a ring, yet it remained her most precious possession.
This Saturday? He wants to become head of the Russell family.
Hannah believed Ralph; his tone was resolute, his confidence unwavering. She wondered if becoming head of the Russell family, wielding absolute power, would change Heather’s mind about marrying him. If so, what then?