Chapter 1017

When Alexander received Margaret's call, he was in a company meeting, presenting on new overseas projects and expansion. He initially ignored the call, engrossed in data analysis, but eventually answered. After briefly summarizing the meeting, he returned to his office to call her back.

Margaret's voice was sharp. "Where are you?"

"At the company," he replied.

Her tone indicated displeasure. "Come home immediately!"

"Now?" he asked.

"Yes, now! And bring your wife!" she added after a pause.

Before Alexander could object, she continued, "If you don't, I'll send someone for her! Is she housebound now that she's pregnant? As your grandmother, I haven't even met her properly!"

Alexander remained silent, choosing not to argue. "Got it," he finally said. He suspected this summons concerned Heather. He had no idea how she'd relayed the incident to Ralph and Margaret, and frankly, he didn't care.

An hour later, Alexander's car pulled into the Russell Estate. Margaret sat in the living room, her walking stick held firmly, appearing ready for a confrontation. Ralph stood beside her, whispering something that further darkened her expression. Celine watched from the sidelines, wearing a knowing smile.

"Grandma," Alexander greeted. Looking around, he asked, "What time is it? Why aren't you napping?"

"A nap?!" Margaret exclaimed, raising an eyebrow. "Are you hoping I'll sleep forever?"

"You're being dramatic, Grandma," Alexander retorted.

"Dramatic? I'm the president of La Beauté Group! A few words, and you think I'm dramatic? Yet you think nothing of fighting another woman?"

Alexander's eyebrows rose. "So, that's why I'm here."

"You admit it then? You fought a woman!" Ralph interjected, seizing the opportunity. He'd initially doubted Heather's account—how could Alexander harm her?—but Alexander's admission seemed incriminating. Regardless of the details, Heather was Ralph's fiancée, and his nephew had injured her.

"It was a sparring match, Grandma. If you consider it a fight, then so be it," Alexander clarified. "However, Ms. Riggs fought back."

Margaret gasped. "How dare you! She's a girl! Your aunt! Is it acceptable for a nephew to fight his aunt? Go apologize to her immediately!"