Alexander had not maintained his position in the Russell family for so many years solely through Hugo's help.

Hearing his words, Lily pondered. "There was something fishy about your second and third uncles' deaths." Both were young when one fell from a cliff and the other drowned. The youngest uncle died in infancy, while Alex's father had always been frail. A single instance might be bad luck, but the sheer coincidence seemed suspicious.

"Fishy is right," Alexander agreed, ruthlessness flickering in his eyes. "How could so many misfortunes befall us? The Russells have a long history, considerable influence, and may have been targeted by envious rivals or enemies."

He trailed off, falling silent, lost in thought.

Lily pitied her husband, cupping his cheeks. "It hasn't been easy for you, has it?"

Beyond internal struggles, the Russell descendants faced the constant threat of assassination. Lily couldn't imagine her husband's experiences since inheriting the family's mantle in his teens.

"Easy or not, it was the past," he replied with a faint smile, as if minimizing his hardships.

Despite his casual tone, Lily knew he'd faced numerous assassination attempts and schemes, explaining his light sleep and preparedness. He hadn't been born with these skills; he'd forged them through crisis.

Alexander, uncomfortable under her sympathetic gaze, softened his expression. "Hey, I'm not as pitiful as you think. Stop imagining things!"

"I don't think you're pitiful. I just think it wasn't easy for Grandpa," Lily smoothly changed the subject, sensing his reluctance.

Alexander was puzzled.

"It must have been hard for him to keep the secret while shouldering the burden of raising you," Lily said, her voice thick with emotion.

Hugo, as a father, suffered the loss of his sons. Yet, he couldn't afford to grieve; he had to comfort his wife, care for the family, and nurture the next generation. This shaped his strict approach to raising Alexander. From a young age, Hugo trained his grandson in business management and kickboxing, even orchestrating mock assassinations to prepare him for life's realities.

Hugo felt sorry for Alexander, but it was the inescapable fate of a Russell heir.

Because Hugo raised Alexander as the heir, and the family had strengthened its security with numerous bodyguards and Margaret's constant vigilance, Ralph was able to grow up without hardship. He enjoyed the family's wealth, oblivious to the sacrifices made to secure it. Whether he was fortunate or unfortunate was debatable.

"It wasn't easy for Grandpa," Alexander sighed, nodding. "That's why I can't be too harsh on Grandma."

He'd tried to tolerate Margaret's minor transgressions, but her recent actions had both shocked and moved him.

"Yes, I understand," Lily replied, her impending motherhood granting her new empathy. "We must take good care of Grandma from now on."