Chapter 1133
Ralph, whirling around, seemed to remember something. He saw family members circulating DNA test reports. "No, it can't be! That lab report must be fake!" he cried frantically.
Celine, supporting their mother, looked at Ralph. "The results include you, me, Mom, Alexander and me, and Alexander and Mom. They prove the three of us are blood-related—except you."
Margaret's words had been arrows; Celine's were knives. Ralph stared at his sister, seemingly hearing but not listening. "You conspired to trick me! You planned this! I don't believe it!"
Suddenly, with unexpected strength, he broke free from those restraining him and lunged toward Margaret. Kneeling, he hugged her legs. "Mom, how could you do this to me? Don't you love me most? Why did you work with them to frame me? Did they force you? Did Alex threaten you? Tell me! Everyone's here. Speak up! They'll uphold justice!" He gestured anxiously at Alexander, convinced this was a long-planned conspiracy to destroy him.
"I hope this is fake, that others forced me!" Margaret looked down, gently stroking his cheek. Tears streamed down her face. "Still, you are not my son, Ralph."
She had borne five sons; only one remained. She had cherished Ralph, only to discover he wasn't her child. Initially disbelieving, the numerous DNA reports confirmed it. The fact that everyone was related except Ralph was undeniable. Investigation revealed Ralph's non-biological connection to her.
For days, Margaret had suffered in silence, watching Ralph plot against Alexander, attempting to prevent him from becoming family patriarch. She’d wanted to speak, fearing the devastation of revealing the truth. She knew there could be no redemption afterward. She'd tried to dissuade Ralph, to stop him, but he hadn't listened. This was the devastating result. She couldn't declare Alexander wasn't her grandson in front of everyone; the shame of facing Hugo and her guilt had held her back.
Her fingers trembling on his cheek, she could only whisper, "Ralph. My precious Ralph..."
"Don't call me that!" Ralph's panic and pleading vanished, replaced by ruthless fury. "I don't believe you! If I'm not your son, whose am I? What a joke! I may be my father's. I'm still a Russell. You aren't Russell blood!"