Chapter 1071

The butler nodded. "Yes, sir. It was our negligence that Mrs. Margaret lost her ring. Have you found it, sir?" Relief flooded his face upon seeing the ring in Ralph's hand.

Ralph nodded. "Yes, I found it. I'll take it to my mother immediately. Please thoroughly clean the house and check for anything else missing. Improve your security; this time it was my mother, but next time it could be someone else."

"Of course, sir. We will do better," the butler assured him. Pleased with the butler's response, Ralph left, adding, "Good. Take time to reflect on your shortcomings."

The butler smiled politely as Ralph departed, the smile vanishing the moment the door closed.

Meanwhile, Margaret was dragging Lily through various shops in the mall, selecting clothes for Lily to try on. After three sets, Lily, exhausted, refused to try any more. Margaret also attempted to get Alexander to try on some clothes, but he refused, as his clothes were custom-made. She abandoned the idea.

Margaret paid for Lily's purchases and planned to visit a jewelry store next, but Lily stopped her. "Grandmother, you've already gotten me so much; I can't accept any more."

"Nonsense! You mustn't say that; people would think the Russells can't afford to shop! These are gifts," Margaret insisted.

"Grandmother, aren't you going to ask about your ring?" Alexander asked.

"Ralph is looking for it," Margaret said. "Even if I lost it, it would be in your house. I've stopped worrying. Let's continue shopping; I'm peckish. Shall we grab something to eat?"

She paused, pointing. "There's a cafe. Will you join me for coffee?"

Lily and Alexander exchanged glances, recognizing her attempt to buy time, but chose not to expose her.

"Sure," Alexander said. "Lily, join Grandmother. I need to take a call."

"What call is so important? It's your day off," Margaret protested. "Why are they always calling you about trivial matters?"

Alexander produced his phone. "It's work-related. It won't take long."

"All right, we'll wait inside. Hurry," Margaret said, relieved it was work-related.

Alexander took the call while Lily and Margaret entered the cafe. The caller said, "Sir, he's left."

"All right," Alexander replied, hanging up. He looked toward the cafe. Lily and Margaret sat by the window; Margaret was on the phone, her gaze unfocused. Their eyes met, and Margaret quickly looked away.

Alexander smiled faintly and entered the cafe. Approaching their table, he overheard Margaret say, "Fine, fine. Just come over. What's taking you so long?!" She hung up. "What's wrong? Who angered you?" Alexander asked, seating himself.