Chapter 1179

For the first time in a long while, Ralph slept soundly, free from worry. Even if the Russells attempted a visit, they couldn't simply enter. Nevertheless, he tossed and turned for hours. Turning to see the woman beside him, he was struck by her sleeping beauty. He'd once considered her cute and docile, but Heather's actions revealed Hannah's unpredictable nature. He'd found Heather difficult to understand, but Hannah proved even more enigmatic. The two sisters warred in his mind, leaving him with a headache. Finally, he rose and went to the balcony for a cigarette. Reflecting on his life, he felt he’d been perpetually caught in a whirlwind. Then, a thought crystallized: "With Hannah by my side, I control the Riggs family properties. Maybe I can make a comeback."

He’d slept poorly, only drifting off at dawn. Therefore, when he heard faint voices downstairs, he awoke to find Hannah gone. He dressed and descended toward the sounds.

"Ms. Riggs, I'm sure you know why I'm here," a voice—Alexander's—announced.

Ralph instinctively ducked back, then corrected himself. He was in Riggs Manor; he had nothing to fear. Peeking down, he saw Hannah, in pajamas, sitting casually across from Alexander. They appeared to be discussing family matters, the atmosphere tense.

She eschewed pleasantries. "Let's be direct. Yes, the person you seek is with me. What will you do about it?"

"A Russell should return to the Russell family," Alexander stated flatly.

A smile played on Hannah's lips. "A Russell? What a joke! You expelled him, publicly disowned him. Why claim him now? I don't understand your family's traditions—to cast someone out, then reclaim them days later?"

"That's an internal family matter. I hope you won't interfere, Ms. Riggs."

Alexander's calm demeanor exerted a powerful presence. Even silent, he commanded attention; a single glance held weight. This had intimidated Hannah before, fueling her anxieties about her secrets being exposed. But that had changed. She was the Riggs family's eldest daughter, the rightful Ms. Riggs, inheriting everything. Confidence radiated from her. Wealth, indeed, had its empowering effect.

Hannah smiled at Alexander. "I'm afraid you've forgotten I'm engaged to Ralph. Had he not been expelled, you'd be calling me 'aunt.'"

"Ms. Riggs, do you still intend to honor this engagement?" Alexander asked tentatively, raising an eyebrow. He recalled Heather discarding Ralph after obtaining the secret handbook, having no intention of marrying him, though the annulment remained unannounced. Now, she sought marriage while he possessed nothing. Alexander's gaze intensified.