Chapter 1023

Heather harbored no hope of Ralph's assistance in obtaining justice. Her primary concern was Alexander's kickboxing training and any concealed manuals he might possess. Years of her own practice now felt like a sham. The uncertainty gnawed at her.

Despite her injuries, she couldn't delay. She immediately dispatched someone to investigate Alexander's childhood placement. Company matters languished, overshadowed by the search for the handbook. Her assistant fielded all calls. Still, some tasks demanded her attention. A coughing fit wracked her as she attempted to rise; her chest ached. She couldn't gauge the force of Alexander's blows, but her overexertion had aggravated her injuries.

Her fight with Lily, though without serious injury to Lily, left Heather questioning their relative skill. She wondered if Lily had fought at full strength or if her pregnancy had been a factor. Heather had considered a more direct approach if her initial plan failed, but now even that seemed untenable. If Lily proved so challenging, Alexander presented an even greater obstacle. This thought furrowed her brow.

She had no desire to engage with company matters, but the call sounded urgent. Snapping at the receiver, she barked, "What's the point of paying you if you can't handle these minor details?!" The phone crashed to the floor, its screen shattered.

Venting calmed her; she acknowledged her assistant's innocence. Certain documents required her signature. She'd restricted visitors to maintain secrecy. "Secret…" The word sparked a command. "Someone, bring that woman in!"

Hannah entered, head bowed, appearing thinner. Silent, she stood. Heather, still simmering, glared. Though she disliked Hannah, the woman served a purpose. Hannah had handled some company business, familiarizing herself with the environment. Initially, Heather tested the waters, gauging employee reactions. Later, emboldened by the lack of notice, she increasingly used Hannah as a proxy, excluding her from significant events to protect her true identity. She was grateful Hannah hadn't been sent home.

"Go to the company!"

"Now?" Hannah looked up, surprised.

"Are you questioning my timing?" Hannah's simple question irritated Heather; she detested being questioned.

Hannah, ultimately, could only comply. "No, of course not," she murmured, her head dropping again.