Heather gave him a look of disdain. "Frankly, I have no idea what Hannah sees in you. How is she attracted to someone like you?"

"Yes, I'm a good-for-nothing, incapable of harming you. Please let me go!" He paused, then looked at Lily. "Lily—no, Mrs. Russell, Ms. Christian—you're here to save me, aren't you? To take me back to the Russell Estate? My mother won't abandon me, will she?"

Lily sighed inwardly, noting his cowardly demeanor. Alexander has never been so fearful. He's always calm and composed, his presence reassuring. It's no wonder Ralph isn't considered a true Russell.

"Grandma is ill and very frail," Lily said flatly. "The doctor says she can't be further agitated." His actions had already caused the older woman considerable distress; her heart couldn't take much more.

"Yes, my death would be a terrible blow to her. I can't die. Please take me away. I'll come home with you," he said urgently.

Lily was speechless. She considered her options. "Can I take him?"

Grandma would want to see him. Besides, I should bring him home regardless. Even if he's been disowned, it would be humiliating to let others punish him.

Heather nodded thoughtfully. "Hold on. I have something to settle first."

Lily gestured for her to proceed. Heather glared at Chump, who left and quickly returned, carrying someone he unceremoniously threw to the floor. This time, the person took her time getting up.

Lily was startled to recognize the face. Though she knew they were twins, this was their first meeting. Individually, telling them apart might require effort, but seeing them together, nearly identical, made the distinction surprisingly difficult.

Their faces are remarkably alike—carbon copies, almost. Even Hannah's manner of rising and brushing her hair reminded me of Heather. But their expressions and overall demeanors are different.

Hannah glanced at Lily, then looked away indifferently. After a long look at Ralph, she turned to Heather. "Say it. What do you want? To have me killed?" A slight smile played on her lips, suggesting unconcern for Heather's intentions.

Heather simply pointed at Ralph. "Do you truly like him that much?"

Hannah looked at Ralph, seemingly puzzled, but held her chin high. "Yes!" Lily raised an eyebrow, admiring Hannah's courage.