Chapter 1134

Margaret never expected such harsh words from Ralph. She looked at the son she had raised and loved her entire life, yet he seemed a stranger, his words cutting deeply.

"I don't believe it!" Ralph snatched the DNA reports, glanced at them, then tore them to shreds. Calmly, he declared, "I've seen the authentic reports, and these are clearly fakes. Moreover, Mother's dementia has worsened; disregard her statements. Nothing she said is true; she doesn't know what she's saying." He then addressed the housekeeper. "Ruth, take my mother to her room to rest."

No one moved. He stood, a figure of bewildered frustration, while everyone regarded him with a mixture of pity and disbelief.

Annoyed, Ralph exclaimed, "Ruth!"

"Stop yelling!" Celine shouted. "Does anyone believe a word you're saying anymore?!"

"You—you colluded with Alex! You knew about this, didn't you? You all deliberately tricked me!" Ralph glared at his sister, his eyes filled with accusation. He'd sought her support that morning, and she, along with everyone else, had initially agreed. Why the sudden change of allegiance?

"Why is everyone suddenly siding with Alex?! Why?!" His gaze snapped to Alexander, fueled by furious suspicion. "It's you! You bribed them, didn't you? What did you offer them? How could you be so despicable?!"

Alexander remained silent, surprised by the turn of events. He hadn't anticipated Margaret's intervention, nor the truth of her testimony. Even without her statement, he possessed the evidence. Yet, Margaret's decision unsettled him; he felt uncomfortable witnessing her distress.

Alexander had spent more time with Hugo growing up, as Margaret had been stricter and more demanding toward him, favoring Ralph. Any minor infraction resulted in punishment. She hadn't liked Alexander, even though he was her grandson. He'd learned to keep to himself, distancing himself from her disapproval. Their strained relationship had persisted for years, and he'd never sought to change it. He'd always accepted that he couldn't get along with everyone. Blood ties notwithstanding, Margaret and Alexander could never truly be enemies, even if their relationship remained difficult.

Yet, here she was, standing by Alexander, by the truth. She hadn't blindly favored or protected Ralph, a decision that far surpassed his expectations.