Chapter 1177

"Today was just a setback. As for you two, you've been losers your whole lives and always will be!" Heather stared mockingly, as if they were the ones who had lost. Her gaze was piercing. Despite her predicament, she showed no weakness. Her words struck a chord with Ralph. She was right.

His whole life, he had been a failure. Though doted on by his mother, his father had never approved. Ralph had once believed his father biased, but now understood the truth: Ralph wasn't Hugo's biological son. He wasn't a Russell. Therefore, Hugo never intended to leave the family business to him. From the outset, he was unqualified to contend for the family's assets. Yet, for years, he had tried. Now, his plans were the town's laughingstock. In the end, even his mother, who loved him most, abandoned him. Ralph had nothing left; he relied on others for shelter and sustenance. He was the greater failure of the two.

With a gloomy expression, he left the room. Hannah, realizing his departure, became anxious. "Ralphy… Ralph!" Her grip on Heather loosened as she turned to chase him. Behind her, Heather laughed. "It seems I've struck a nerve. A loser will always be a loser. These despicable methods are merely a temporary advantage. Sooner or later, it will all crumble. Hahaha!" Her maniacal laughter echoed in the dungeon, but Hannah ignored it, running after Ralph.

"What's wrong?!" she asked, grasping his arm, an uneasy feeling washing over her. "Is your heart… aching? Can you not bear seeing her like this?" Her unease stemmed from low self-esteem. Since childhood, she'd watched others praise her sister, Heather; even now, Heather received all the accolades. This fueled Hannah's hatred. Hannah lacked confidence, doubting anyone would like her for herself, not her family or resemblance to Heather. She'd thought she found that in Ralph, but whenever they were near Heather, doubts resurfaced. She wondered if he truly liked her, or saw only Heather in her.

"No!" Ralph turned, forcing a smile. "Though it's miserable for her, I considered how you've lived for over twenty years. I feel sorry for you. You've suffered far more than she did!" He gently caressed her cheek.

"Really?" she asked, incredulous, holding his hand.

"You idiot, of course! You've suffered so much; revenge is only natural. She's been arrogant for too long. So what if she suffers a little now? How can I feel sorry for her?" His sincerity dispelled her doubts, and she smiled. "Then, what are you worried about? Now, the entire Riggs family belongs to me. With me, you have nothing to fear!"

Together, they left, Hannah in Ralph's arms. They settled on the living room sofa, a maid providing fruit, snacks, and tea, which Hannah then dismissed, wanting to be alone with him. Leaning against him, she bit into an apple and asked, "Why did you run away if it wasn't pity for her? Aren't you happy for me?"