Chapter 1084

"Okay. Let me know when you have updates. That's it for now!" Ralph hung up, finally noticing his aching elbow. He must have fallen harder than he realized, distracted as he was. His joint was swollen; he wondered if it was dislocated.

What a day! He'd hoped to close the deal, even if not finalized. Then he could simply wait for the transaction and claim his prize. He never anticipated Heather's cunning. Her explanation—that she'd distracted them while sneaking into the house—was suspect.

He looked at the photos on his phone, once treasured, now a hot potato. They yielded nothing, and he had to be wary of Alexander. Heather had truly outwitted him.

At home, Alexander stood in his and Lily's bedroom. Everything appeared in place, but closer inspection revealed arrows nailed to one wall and a slightly askew carpet. He found a hidden button beside the bed, pressed it, and heard a faint thud. The room looked unchanged, yet the atmosphere felt… more comfortable.

Lily went to the safe, twisted the lock, and it clicked open—empty. Unsurprised, she looked at Alexander, eyebrow raised. "You were right!"

Smoothing the carpet, Alexander sat on the bed, patting the space beside him. Lily joined him, and he put his arm around her. "He'll only leave after getting what he wants. After all, he went to considerable trouble, even enlisting Grandma's help."

"You're certain he worked with Heather?" Lily asked, turning to Alexander. She'd found his trap unusual, questioning his certainty Ralph would come. Yet, he'd been right.

Margaret's solo visit had led them astray. Lily had assumed Ralph wouldn't act alone, but would use Margaret to request the handbook. But Margaret's insistence on shopping was a diversion; Ralph only moved after they left.

Agreeing to Margaret too quickly would have aroused suspicion. So, they feigned reluctance, only leaving after repeated persuasion. As expected, Ralph arrived shortly after.