At the Russell Estate, the doctor confirmed Margaret had fainted from grief and would recover. He advised against further agitation, given her age. After ensuring the doctor's thorough examination, Lily left Margaret in Celine's care, mindful of her own pregnancy and the need to rest.

In the living area, Alexander tapped on his laptop, muttering to himself. He then closed it, took Lily's arm, and said, "You must be tired. I've asked the kitchen to prepare ginger tea. Go upstairs and rest; the housekeepers will tidy your room. Let's leave it at that for today, okay?"

"Your uncle hasn't returned," Lily said. Ralph hadn't been seen since the afternoon, and his phone was off. She assumed he wished to avoid them.

"He needs time," Alexander replied, shaking his head. "Besides, we need to decide about his future in the family."

"Are you going to disown him?" Lily asked, voicing her unspoken question.

"What do you think?" he countered.

Lily pouted. "It's your family's business; you're making the decisions. How would I know?"

Finding her adorable, Alexander pulled her close, tapping her nose with a chuckle. "My family? Aren't you the Russell family's daughter-in-law? The household's mistress has a say in this."

"You're passing the buck," Lily teased, glancing at him sideways. "I think we should consult Grandma. Ralph is her son."

"She’s considered him her own, even if he isn't related by blood," Alexander agreed. "Though the estate belongs to the Russells, it's Grandpa and Grandma's home. They should decide whether to keep him. We have no right to interfere."

This mirrored Alexander's thoughts; he hadn't officially removed Ralph because of Margaret's collapse. The decision ultimately rested with her. "Though," he mused, "I'm curious. How is it Grandma didn't know if he was her son? Wouldn't a mother know?"

Alexander shifted, allowing Lily to settle comfortably against him. "I know something about this. To explain, I need to start with my second uncle's death."

"Your second uncle?" Lily was surprised. She knew Alexander's father had many siblings, but only Ralph and Celine were alive.