Chapter 1162
Ralph thrashed the room until exhaustion overcame him. Staring at the wreckage, his mother's words echoed: she would let Alexander decide, as he was the head of the family. A maniacally laughter escaped Ralph, tears welling in his eyes.
"My mother, who always doted on me, did a complete about-face the moment she learned I wasn't her real son," he thought. "She used to promise me everything, say I'd be head of the family. Now? She's accepted Alexander, and her claims of loving me are bullshit! I'm nothing to them if I'm not blood."
"Now they want to take everything back. Fine. I'll destroy it so they can't enjoy it either!" He produced a lighter, ignited the curtains, and flung the burning fabric onto the sofa. The highly flammable materials fueled the rapidly spreading fire, thick smoke filling the house. Ralph fled, pausing only at the door to cast a cold glance back before leaving.
Meanwhile, Margaret scrambled out of bed, nearly falling. Lily and Celine rushed to her side, alerted by her frantic movements.
"What's wrong?"
Margaret sobbed, clutching her phone. "It's Ralph! He…"
Celine snatched the phone. "Hello?" She glanced at Lily. "He hung up."
"He sounded like he was smashing things; it was very noisy," Margaret explained, her face pale with worry. "I don't know where he is, but I'm terrified he'll hurt himself."
Lily considered, attempting to soothe her. "Don't panic. Did Ralph say where he was? Did he make any demands? Why would he start destroying things?"
Margaret shook her head as Celine helped her into a chair. "He wanted to keep his properties and for Alex to declare the DNA test fake. I told him it was Alexander's decision, and Ralph… lost it and started breaking things." She hadn't had the chance to explain that Alexander's decision was final regarding his position in the family, that he could keep his possessions, and she'd even give him hers. He'd erupted before she could finish.
"What the hell was he destroying things for?" Celine exclaimed. "Does he think he can change anything or scare anyone by doing that?"
Lily asked calmly, "Grandma, think carefully. What else did he say?"
Margaret furrowed her brow, straining to recall. "Oh, Ralph said he'd destroy everything if he couldn't have it. What is he trying to destroy?"