Chapter 1022

Celine's words had reached Ralph.

"Mom, could Alexander not be a Russell?" he asked.

"Such nonsense!" Margaret slapped his arm, glowering. "Stop questioning our bloodline!"

Though she slapped him, the force told him she wasn't truly angry. He pressed on. "Am I wrong? Who knows where Patrick met her? They married behind our backs, and she was already pregnant. Maybe the child isn't even Patrick's! He was always so kind. He might not have known, or perhaps he did but was too soft-hearted to act. Either way, we have no proof."

Suddenly, Ralph had an idea. "How about a DNA test?"

"How?" Margaret sighed, exhausted. "Your brother's been gone for years, and that woman…"

"Mom, you don't need your parents' DNA. Grandparents' DNA will work. What if he's not a Russell? Are we going to let an outsider control our family like this? Dad wouldn't have tolerated it!"

Whatever Celine had said seemed to sway Margaret's hesitation. Celine was right. If Alexander weren't a Russell, his threats would be meaningless. He'd have no control over the family. Why should an outsider threaten them? He showed Margaret no respect, and she refused to acknowledge him as her grandson.

"How do we do it?" she asked.

"It's easy!" Celine said calmly. "Mom, leave it to me. I'll handle it."

"Don't let Alex know before the results," Margaret cautioned.

"Of course!"

Celine smiled, straightened, and left.

Margaret turned to Ralph. "Regarding Ms. Riggs, comfort her. Set a wedding date soon. What do you think?" The Russell family faced potential turmoil. If Ralph married into the Riggs family, their support would strengthen his position. Otherwise…

Ralph nodded. "Of course. I'll talk to her."

Despite his words, uncertainty remained. Ms. Riggs was difficult. His arm still ached, a constant reminder of her fierce gaze.

Damn it!