Chapter 1215

The hundred-year-old Russell Estate appeared unchanged, yet bore the weight of recent events. Ralph knelt by Margaret's bed, his weight loss and graying hair stark reminders of his ordeal. Margaret's gaze was filled with mixed emotions; she closed her eyes, tears silently tracing paths down her cheeks.

"I'm sorry, Mom! I wish I could still call you that. I was wrong," Ralph said softly.

Margaret's voice was nasal, her eyes remaining closed. "I've considered it. It's not entirely your fault; I bear some responsibility for failing to guide you. Forget about reinstatement as a Russell family member. Alex will assume control, and I won't interfere." Ralph lowered his head. "I didn't come for anything but to apologize. I'm grateful to be alive. I want nothing more than to care for you."

Margaret opened her eyes. "You mean it?"

"I've signed the papers, returning everything to the Russell family. It never belonged to me. I'm an orphan, and I should be grateful for your years of care. Annie… Annie died because of me. I've wronged so many; I deserve to die!" He wept.

"Who's Annie?" Margaret inquired, puzzled by the unfamiliar name.

"A woman I'm eternally indebted to." Ralph felt a sharp pang remembering Hannah's gaze. He'd believed survival paramount, but now knew he was wrong. He couldn't start over.

A year and a half later, La Beaute Group opened its tenth international branch, expanding its empire. Concurrently, Lily's perfume studio flourished, her brand achieving global dominance. It was a remarkable success, yet she felt overwhelmed.

"Galen Russell, I told you not to climb on that! Are you deaf?" Lily, holding a test tube, scolded, rushing to pull her son from the table.

The one-year-old grinned, revealing a few teeth. His charm prevented Lily from punishing him. Sighing, she said, "I wish you were still in my belly so you wouldn't be climbing everywhere."

She'd hoped motherhood would allow her to focus on her career, but Galen was the antithesis of his brother Alexander—restless and mischievous.

"Then your belly would explode!" Olivia laughed, gesturing to Lily's significantly larger, pregnant belly. She was expecting twins.

Lily snorted. "Look who's talking. Aren't you the same?" Olivia was also pregnant. The two expectant mothers enjoyed their daily work and banter.

"Why aren't you even a little bit like your father? If you behave like this again, I'll leave you home." Lily patted his bottom, her voice laced with a threat.