Chapter 1172

Their instructions were clear: courtesy first, then force. If Ralph cooperated, everything would proceed smoothly. Resistance, however, warranted a different approach—they were authorized to forcibly remove him.

These words jolted Ralph awake. Memories flooded back: the fire, the raging flames, his mother's anguished pleas. How had they found him so quickly? Were they here to drag him back as a criminal? His face paled, but Hannah opened the door before he could react. The man outside ceased his insistent ringing and stared at her.

Hannah, clad in a man's shirt, stood calmly, her long, slender legs exposed. "What do you want?" she demanded, holding the doorframe with one hand, the door ajar with the other. She had no intention of opening it fully.

The man was speechless. He hadn't expected a woman to answer, let alone one dressed so provocatively. Peering through the crack, he saw Ralph, half-naked, on the floor. The sight seemed to electrify him.

"What are you looking at? Keep ringing that doorbell, and I'll sue you for trespassing! Leave!" Hannah snapped, attempting to close the door. The man quickly blocked it.

"Mr. Russell," he said, "the boss knows what you did. You need to come to the Russell Estate and discuss it. You can't hide forever."

"Who says he can't hide forever?!" Hannah retorted, then paused, realizing her words were overly assertive. "Who says he's hiding? From this day forward, this man belongs to me, Heather Riggs. Anyone who touches him will pay!"

They were Alexander's men. A few recognized Heather, but not immediately. Her statement stunned them. Upon closer inspection, they confirmed her identity. Given her reputation, none dared to act. Moreover, Alexander had instructed them to be as civil as possible. With Heather present, any forceful action was unthinkable.

Seizing the opportunity, Hannah slammed the door shut. "Tell your boss to come himself!" she yelled.

The men were stymied. They lacked the authority to escalate the situation and ultimately decided to call Alexander.

"Sir, we've found Mr. Russell, but he refused to cooperate. Ms. Riggs is with him. She told us to have you contact her personally."

Despite merely relaying the message, they felt a chill run down their spines.

"Heather Riggs?" Alexander mused before saying, "Understood. You can return."

He hadn't anticipated Heather's intervention. That explained the delay in finding Ralph. Most intriguing was that they weren't at her house; they were in an apartment. Was she keeping him as a plaything?

"About that…" Alexander continued, "Leave two men to watch them. Report back immediately if they leave."

The men departed.

Once the sounds outside ceased, Ralph cautiously rose and peered out the window. Seeing no one, he cautiously opened the door, confirming their absence before finally exhaling. Leaning against the door, he sighed again.

Then Hannah pounced.