Chapter 1078

Ralph felt increasingly victorious with each of Heather's reactions. A smug smile playing on his lips, he approached the bottle of red wine he'd prepared, slowly pouring the liquid into two glasses. He remained unconcerned by her words, acting as if everything were entirely within his control.

Heather observed his actions and followed, but paused after a single step.

Holding the two wine glasses, Ralph turned to face her. "We're finally achieving our most important goals. Don't you think a celebration is in order? Let us toast to our successful cooperation!" Heather briefly met his gaze before taking a glass. After watching Ralph drink, she brought the glass to her lips, taking a sip. Then, she extended her arm. "The book."

"Haha..." Ralph looked at her outstretched hand, palm up, noticing the fine lines and calluses that distinguished her from other girls with softer hands—telltale signs of years of kickboxing practice.

Smiling, Ralph gazed at her palm when a fleeting, strange thought crossed his mind. The feeling vanished before he could identify it.

He produced his phone, displaying several pictures. "Take a look. Is this what you want?"

Heather narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing the pictures and on-screen text. Before she could fully examine them, he abruptly retracted his phone, smiling mysteriously. "I'm not lying to you, am I?"

"You don't think you can settle this with a few phone photos, do you?" she scoffed.

"Of course not! Trust me, I have the item. I'm only showing you a sample. You've been in business for years; you understand customers view samples before ordering, don't you?"

"Stop beating around the bush. You're adding conditions; state them clearly." Heather settled onto the couch, chin slightly raised. Her demeanor was as strong as his, despite looking up at him.

Ralph remained standing, forced to lower his gaze, a fact that inexplicably made him feel inferior.

Her exposure of his motives prompted a boisterous laugh. "You're brilliant! If you weren't so…spirited, I'd want to marry you!"

"Cut the crap!" she interrupted coldly. "Name your price."

"Fifty percent of your Riggs Group shares!" Ralph held up five fingers. "And a seat on the board of directors."

"Ambitious," she mocked, showing neither acceptance nor rejection.

"It's not ambition; the item is costly," Ralph said smoothly, believing his request reasonable. He felt she should pay the price if she truly needed the item. Thirty percent of the Riggs Group shares was tempting, but insufficient to control the company. Even then, Heather would remain the majority shareholder, and he wouldn't have absolute authority.

Fifty percent, however, would make him a significant shareholder. Even Heather would have to heed his decisions. She could garner support from other shareholders, but they would at best equal his influence. He would still hold ultimate control.

Only with absolute control over the Riggs Group could he confront Alexander and reclaim what belonged to him and the Russell family.

"Don't be so stingy! Managing the company's never been your priority. Let me handle it; you can focus on kickboxing. We both get what we want—isn't that ideal?"