"Heather Riggs?" Margaret mentioned the name, shaking her head and pursing her lips. "I doubt it."

"Grandma..."

"While I make occasional mistakes, I'm a good judge of character at my age. I initially chose her to leverage her family's influence for Ralph's benefit, and her capabilities—" Margaret paused, realizing she'd been about to reveal her ambition to secure Ralph's power through the Riggs family.

'How foolish I was! I nearly ruined the Russell family. How could I face Hugo in the afterlife?'

"Their relationship is purely transactional. Now that Ralph is in this state, I only hope she won't abandon him."

Lily disagreed, wanting to mention the housekeeper's account of Heather being the last person to see Ralph, even kissing him before leaving. However, deciding this wasn't her concern—the housekeeper was the witness—she remained silent.

"Lily, open the nightstand's second drawer," Margaret said, turning away from an offered slice of bread to indicate she'd had enough. She gestured toward the nightstand.

Lily glanced at the bread and tray, then rose and pointed. "Here?"

"Yes. Open it."

Lily hesitated briefly, then opened the drawer. It was empty except for a black velvet box of seemingly high quality.

"Take out the box," Margaret instructed.

Lily retrieved the box. "Is this it, Grandma?"

Margaret nodded, taking the box and gently caressing its surface as if fearing damage. Lily watched curiously, sensing its importance to Margaret.

After a moment, Margaret pressed an exquisite latch and opened the box. Inside lay a magnificent emerald ring, the gemstone so clear and vibrantly green it emitted a subtle aura of luxury.

"This has been passed down from my grandmother to my mother, and now to me," Margaret said wistfully, her thoughts drifting to her past. "My mother gave it to me when I married Alexander's grandfather. My family, a large one, has always passed this ring down to the daughters. Today, I pass it to you."

Lily was astonished. "Grandma, no, this is too valuable!"

The ring far surpassed the bracelet in value; Lily knew it was not merely expensive but a symbol of heritage. 'I can't accept something so precious. I don't deserve it.'

"Listen to me!" Margaret firmly placed the ring in Lily's hand. "Customarily, it would go to Celine, but..."

She sighed. "I haven't guided her well, and I bear the responsibility for her failings. You are now the mistress of the Russell family, and you must safeguard this legacy. Given your role in supporting Alex and holding the family together, it's only fitting I give it to you."

"Grandma..."

"Take it. It's a gift not just from me, but from your grandfather as well. It's more than just the ring. I'm counting on you and Alex to care for the Russell family and take it to greater heights," Margaret said earnestly.