Chapter 1051

Giving him a thoughtful look, Heather turned and headed back to the house. "Follow me!"

Staring after her, Ralph paused before following. He glanced at the emotionless man beside him, then lifted his foot to ascend the stairs. The climb brought a wave of pain. Clenching his teeth, he took a breath, passing the man with a lingering, resentful glance. He vowed silent vengeance.

Inside, he found Heather calmly making tea on the sofa, as if nothing had transpired. Upset, he strode to the sofa, ignoring the dirt on his clothes, and sat down.

Heather glanced at him. "Chump, bring Mr. Russell a shower and some clean clothes."

As Chump started to leave, Ralph raised a hand. "There's no need. I'm hardly one for your hand-me-downs, am I? Let's cut the pretense. I don't deserve your charity, anyway." His sarcasm was evident. "This business partnership arrangement suits me better. I'm not here to please you."

Chump looked offended, but Heather dismissed him. "It's alright. Leave us."

Reluctantly, Chump obeyed.

Alone, Heather calmly poured two cups of tea, offering one to Ralph. "Have some. It'll soothe your throat." He took the cup unceremoniously and gulped it down without tasting it.

Holding her teacup, Heather looked at him thoughtfully. "Did you know the Russell family owns a secret kickboxing handbook?"

Ralph's confusion was evident. "What secret kickboxing handbook? We're not kickboxers. Why would we own one? Oh, you mean Alexander. Didn't I tell you my father sent him to learn kickboxing somewhere? I don't know where. Why? You think I'm lying?"

"That means you're unaware your family owns the handbook," she sneered.

Ralph's anger flared at her expression. "What are you saying? That my family owns something valuable, and I know nothing about it, while Alexander does? You're mocking me because I haven't earned my father's trust, and haven't inherited it, despite being his son?"

"Think what you will," Heather said indifferently. "Your family owns a secret kickboxing handbook. I've investigated. The place Alexander supposedly trained was an ordinary camp; the instructors didn't even know kickboxing. He spent five years there and went nowhere else. So, where did he learn it?"

"How the hell should I know?" he exploded. "Dad nurtured that *sshole for years, and I was nothing to him!"

"The handbook is now in Alexander's possession. If...you retrieve it and give it to me, I'll give you 30% of Riggs Group's shares." She emphasized each word.

"Really?" Ralph's joy was quickly tempered. He cleared his throat. "If we marry, we'll share assets. Do you think I'd take our family heirloom from Alexander for a measly 30%? Your offer's too low!"

"And what makes you think I'll marry you?" Heather scoffed coldly.