Initially, neither Ralph nor Sean gained the upper hand, both enduring a beating. However, Sean's companion arrived with reinforcements. They overwhelmed Ralph, brutally assaulting him.

As the Russell family's young master and Margaret's favorite, Ralph had previously wielded considerable influence in Kingsland, intimidating anyone who dared offend him. However, the situation had irrevocably changed. Despite the Russells' attempts to suppress the news, it spread amongst relatives, and even the housekeepers' silence couldn't contain it. Furthermore, anticipating his expulsion, many disregarded him, turning him into a laughingstock.

Ralph, losing the fight, curled onto the ground, shielding his vital areas. The beating continued relentlessly, leaving him fearing broken bones.

Finally, Sean, exhausted, stopped. Catching his breath, he stared at the still figure and spat. "I only backed down last time because of your family's support, but you're nothing now! Stay out of my sight, or I'll beat you every time we meet!" He spat again, erupting into laughter with his companions before departing.

The food truck owner, fearing Ralph was dead, approached him. "Sir, are you alright?"

Ralph stirred, slowly rising to his feet, appearing somewhat unscathed. He retrieved a fifty-dollar bill from his pocket, slapping it into the owner's hand. "Keep...the change." He burped and stumbled towards his car.

"Sir? Sir!" The owner, wanting to offer assistance, ultimately decided against it, letting Ralph depart.

Inside his car, Ralph winced in pain from a pulled muscle, taking a deep breath before slamming the door and lowering the seat. Then, he wept.

He'd never been so humiliated. Once able to dominate others, he was now the target of ridicule and bullying. The rapid spread of the news filled him with dread, leaving him wondering how he would cope.

'Now that I can't return to the Russell Estate, where can I go?'

Amidst his tears, he remembered Heather's earlier words. He sat upright, frantically searching himself. He finally found a key in his trouser pocket.

Small and exquisite, the key looked new and barely used. Ralph puzzled over Heather's gift.

'Is that place a residence or a trap?'

He pondered the key, finally deciding to visit. He had nowhere else to go, and things couldn't worsen. Besides, even if Heather intended a setup, he was now worthless to her.

Sniffling, he unsuccessfully tried to start his car. Despite some gas remaining, the engine failed to ignite. Frustrated, he slammed the steering wheel.

'No wonder people say bad things come in threes!'

Abandoning his car, he hailed a cab, instructing the driver to take him to Lucens Apartments. Leaning back, Ralph fell asleep.