Chapter 980
Heather was disgusted by Ralph. She had no desire to be his wife, only to acquire a certain book. She planned to use her connection to the Russell family, through Ralph, to subtly absorb their business into the Riggs family, then divorce him.
However, Heather had reconsidered. Marrying a different man would simplify matters, allowing her to acquire both the book and the Russell family's wealth simultaneously. Unfortunately, he was already married.
Returning to her own villa, Heather found the Riggs residence cold and quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling Russell home. She only agreed to live there for the book. A skilled fighter since childhood, Heather’s parents had lost interest in cultivating the family’s martial arts skills after the previous generation proved less gifted. Without her, the Riggs family would have been expelled from the ranks of ancient martial arts families.
Heather mastered all available Riggs family techniques and was confident in her abilities. Yet, after several inter-family fights, she realized her shortcomings. Though victorious against her peers, she struggled against more experienced opponents. These fights, in turn, attracted more challengers, leaving the Riggs family seemingly prosperous but dangerously cornered. Their recent victories were no guarantee of future success.
Coincidentally, she discovered an ancient martial arts book containing a secret Lodge family technique; possession guaranteed mastery. This book had mysteriously ended up with the Russells, and remained unheard of since. The Russell family's power and security made it nearly impossible for outsiders to obtain.
Heather's attempts to retrieve it, including using the Light-Shadow Killers, had all failed. Desperation led her to propose a business marriage—the only way to freely access the Russell home and acquire the book.
Inside, she changed into slippers and, removing her scarf, felt a sharp pain upon accidentally touching her ears. Though accustomed to pain from her fighting training, this was different—a needle-like prick at a vulnerable point, accompanied by a tingling sensation radiating down her spine.
"Get me Hannah!" she instructed, rubbing her temples.
The housekeeper quickly fetched Hannah, who, since yesterday, had been hiding in her room, afraid of her sister. Hannah looked pale and weak from days of meager meals. Heather's annoyance flared.
"Why aren't you eating again?" she demanded.
Hannah remained silent.
"You'll waste away! Then everyone will know we're different! Is this your way of defying me?" Heather's tone was sharp.
"No, sorry!" Hannah denied immediately. "I wouldn't dare. I promise to eat properly!"