Chapter 1077

Margaret opened the folder and removed the stack of papers, finding it thicker than she'd expected. Puzzled, she looked up at Celine, who explained hurriedly, "To ensure accuracy, I tested everyone in our family. The results include you, Ralph, myself, and Alex individually. Identical results pose no problem; discrepancies won't alter the overall outcome." After a moment's thought, Margaret nodded, put on her glasses, and began reviewing the results.

Her expression, however, gradually darkened. She'd read a few pages, then flip back, then forward again. Suddenly, she looked up at Celine, disbelief etched on her face. "This..."

"Mom, stay calm. I told you to prepare yourself mentally," Celine said softly. She'd been shocked herself when she first saw the results, hence her warning. Even so, the impact was immense.

"B-But this is impossible!" Margaret cried, agitated. Feelings, after all, weren't easily controlled.

"I don't believe this! Where did you do the test? We must do it again!"

"Mom, this test is 99.99% accurate. Calm down. I'm going to… Mom!"

Margaret's vision blacked out before she could rise; she fainted, causing Celine to panic. "Somebody help!"

Ralph, meanwhile, sat in the master suite, smiling broadly as he scrolled through pictures on his phone—pages from a book, not consecutive. He wasn't foolish. Bringing the secret handbook would leave him no room to negotiate with Heather. Her combat skills would allow her to seize it instantly. Less skilled than Alexander, he relied on his wits. He'd hidden the item elsewhere, believing he'd made the right decision. The doorbell rang; his grin widened as he deliberately rose slowly, only moving after three rings.

All his past suffering at Heather's hands would end. He'd finally hold his head high, free from her control. Or so he thought.

He opened the door to find Heather, impeccably suited and as severe as ever. Sometimes, Ralph suspected a split personality; nothing else explained her occasional shyness and gentleness.

He stared at her; she merely glanced at him before extending a hand.

"Where's the secret handbook?"

Ralph laughed, regaining his composure. "Slow down! It's yours, eventually. Why don't you come in? We can discuss it over a drink or two."

"No need," Heather replied coldly. "We've discussed this. I get the book; you get the shares. Nothing else to discuss."

She seemed solely focused on the item. Exactly as he expected, or so he thought.