Chapter 1205

Heather doubted the secret handbook's authenticity primarily because Alexander hadn't sought her out, despite the passage of considerable time. She had invested significant effort in stealing it; logically, Alexander should have made every effort to recover such a crucial item. She imagined herself in his position and concluded she would have searched Kingsland thoroughly.

Yet, Alexander remained calm, as if nothing had transpired. Ralph confirmed Alexander hadn't even looked for him, suggesting indifference toward the lost handbook. This indifference pointed to only one conclusion: the handbooks Heather and Ralph stole were fakes. If Alexander could trap Ralph, she reasoned, he could certainly trap her.

After careful consideration, several things became clear. "The real secret handbook is still with you guys," Heather declared, after a deep breath.

Lily simply stared, then slowly shook her head. This was unexpected, leaving Heather momentarily stunned. "It's not with you guys? That's impossible! Where is it, then? You didn't destroy it or entrust it to someone else, did you?"

"No," Lily replied softly, "That book doesn't exist."

"Impossible!" Heather exclaimed, scoffing. "Why concoct such a ridiculous lie? I've been completely honest, even revealing my twin sister's existence. I merely asked about the handbook; I wasn't demanding its return. What are you so afraid of?"

"Why do people always believe lies over the truth? Isn't that ironic?" Lily spread her hands, but Heather remained unconvinced.

"You... no! It's impossible!" Heather vehemently rejected the notion of the handbook's non-existence. Immediately, her suspicions surfaced. "If the handbook doesn't exist, how did Alexander become so skilled so quickly? How could he be so powerful? He's hiding the book, afraid I'll take it." She added, "My grandfather told me the Russell family possessed a secret handbook. He couldn't have been wrong!"

"We don't know when rumors of a Russell family handbook surfaced," Lily countered. "However, it wasn't detrimental; it might have even offered protection for a family as large as ours. Outsiders believing in skilled fighters within the family provided a deterrent. Even with the kickboxing industry's decline, troublemakers still exist. You understand this better than most, Ms. Riggs."

Heather had witnessed the Lodge family's struggles with constant provocation. Without Justin, they would have crumbled long ago.

"As for Alexander's combat skills…" Lily continued, recalling her own surprise at his prowess. He had never mentioned his abilities before, not even during the Lodge family's crisis. He was even more skilled than she was.

Later, Alexander explained, "My grandfather wanted me to learn self-defense. I assumed it would be like basic boxing. Instead, he sent me to a mountain church, where a priest became my teacher. He taught me fighting skills and biblical proverbs. I didn't understand everything, but he said I was quick."