Chapter 1156

Although not blood relatives, Margaret had raised Ralph as her own for many years, making it difficult for her to abandon him.

"Grandma, it's not my decision, but his. He hasn't reconsidered and refuses to return home. Let's discuss it when he does, okay?" He added, "I need to go to the office now. Rest well, Grandma."

Lily entered, carrying food just as he was leaving.

"Please take care of her," he said before departing.

Lily hadn't overheard their conversation but guessed its subject.

"Grandma, you must be hungry. Here's some garlic bread and mushroom cream soup. Eat slowly."

Lily sat beside the bed, tray on her lap, dipping bread into the soup and offering it to Margaret, who wanted to take the entire plate.

"It's alright. You're pregnant. You don't need to serve me."

"Let me. I'm still early in my pregnancy, so don't worry," Lily chuckled.

"Stop insisting. I'll rest when you feel better, okay?"

Margaret relented, allowing Lily to feed her a slice of bread. She looked at her granddaughter-in-law with a smile. After recent turmoil, her perspective had shifted dramatically. I couldn't stand the sight of her before, but now she's a welcome sight, she thought.

"Okay," Alexander glanced at his watch. "It's almost time for me to go. Rest well and tell the housekeepers if you need anything. Don't worry about other matters." He subtly discouraged Margaret from involving herself in the family's disputes.

"Then… what about Ralph?"

After a pause, she said, "Although he's not our blood relative, he grew up in our family. He's only a few years older than you, more like a brother than an uncle." She watched Alexander's expression closely. "Yes, I know he did many wrong things, and went too far this time trying to frame you with the fake DNA report. However, he's been punished, and it can't be easy for him now. Will you… show him mercy?"

"Grandma," Alexander met her gaze. "Did he show me mercy when he held the family meeting and forced everyone to vote against me?"

He couldn't ignore the past. Ralph had made things difficult for him since childhood, even trying to oust him from the family recently. How could he simply forgive him? Margaret was the only reason he hadn't already banished Ralph, worried about the impact on her. This didn't mean he'd forget Ralph's actions or leave the matter unresolved.

"Well…" Margaret was at a loss. She knew he was right, but couldn't bear to see Ralph suffer. "I know you're right, and I've gone too far, asking you to forgive him. Then… can I still keep him by my side? Even if the family doesn't accept him, can I consider him my foster son?"

Desperation laced her voice. Alexander lowered his gaze, noticing her hand gripping the blanket. Her sincerity was evident, and he understood her struggle.