Chapter 1058

Children often resemble their mothers, as the saying goes. Alexander, for instance, bore a striking resemblance to his mother, a fact she found displeasing. Over the years, she'd diligently planned for her son's future, and with the anticipated support of the Riggs family, she felt increasingly secure.

She sipped her tea, closed her eyes to nap, then heard footsteps. Peeking, she was horrified. Ralph stood before her, covered in dust and blood, as if brutally beaten. He entered hesitantly.

"Oh my goodness!" Margaret exclaimed, rising so swiftly that she felt faint. Her vision swam, and she nearly collapsed.

"Ms. Margaret!" Her servant rushed to her side.

Ralph quickly moved to support his mother, saying, "Mom, slow down!"

Margaret gasped, her gaze trembling as she looked at him closely. "What's the matter with you? Did something happen?"

"It's nothing!" He looked down at his battered clothes; disheveled was a vast understatement. He'd intended to shower and change before greeting her, unaware she was outside.

"Nothing? Who did this? Who dared to do this to you? Don't they know you're a Russell? Are they seeking death?" Margaret fumed, stabbing the ground with her crutches, each strike echoing the intensity of her anger. "Who did this? Don't let them go!"

"I'm really fine. It's just a little injury. Don't be so angry," Ralph reassured her, attempting to minimize the incident. He'd been reminded of Heather's words upon seeing his mother.

He leaned forward. "Mom, I want to ask you something."

"What? What's more important than your injury? Tell me, who hurt you like this?" Margaret was distraught.

Ralph was her youngest son, born late in her life, a precious treasure, especially now that her older sons were gone. She clutched his hand, unable to bear the thought of harming him.

When Hugo was alive, he'd beaten Ralph for misbehavior, causing Margaret to starve herself in protest. Hugo, despite his harsh nature, couldn't endure his wife's suffering and eventually relented, largely ignoring Ralph's affairs. This neglect led him to focus increasingly on Alexander, who closely resembled Hugo in his youth and possessed his courage, calmness, and wisdom. Hugo had already designated Alexander as his successor.

Ralph's body bore physical wounds, but Margaret carried a far deeper emotional burden.

"Tell me. Who did this to you?"