Chapter 517

Ralph’s expression turned to stone as Debra’s words landed like a physical blow.

“Your greed is one thing,” she said. “But now you’re dragging the entire Frazier family down with your idiocy. I think my dad was right to cut you off.”

Ralph slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet. “Who are you to lecture me?”

Before Ralph could take another breath, Marion was on his feet, the prison cell door swinging open. Ralph’s anger dissolved like smoke in the wind as Marion placed a heavy hand on his shoulder, forcing him back into his seat.

Marion warned coldly, “Behave yourself and answer the questions.”

Ralph squirmed, his eyes darting around the room. “This is a prison. If you lay a finger on me, that’s illegal.”

Marion’s grip tightened, his fingers digging into Ralph’s shoulder like a vise. Ralph cried out in pain, his face contorting. “Help! Anyone there?”

Marion leaned in, his voice a low growl. “There are no cameras here. Without my orders, no one will come in to save you. But don’t worry, I’ll cover your medical expenses.”

Ralph’s resistance crumbled under the weight of Marion’s gaze.

Debra demanded, “I want to know the secret of the ancestral hall.”

Ralph hesitated. “I only heard bits and pieces about what’s inside the hall. I knew it had something valuable, so I stole the key to pay off the debt. When Gael found out, he said he would kick me out. I was furious and left.”

He sighed, rubbing his brow wearily. “I searched the entire hall and found nothing valuable. I was even angrier when I realized I’d been fooled. So, I hid the key, knowing how important it was to Gael. I tried to use it as leverage, but he didn’t care about my threats. That’s why I caused that car accident in a fit of rage.”

Disappointment washed over Debra like a wave. She turned to Marion and said, “Let’s leave.”

Marion released Ralph, and as Debra turned to leave, she paused and looked back. “I don’t think my dad wanted to cut ties with you for good. He knew the people behind your gambling debts wanted to ruin the Frazier family. Kicking you out was the only way to show those people you were no longer useful to them. He would never leave you to sink or swim.”

Ralph’s gaze remained fixed on the table, but a glimmer of understanding flickered in his eyes. He was lost in thought, the weight of his actions settling heavily on his shoulders.

Outside the room, Pedro asked, “Did you finish questioning?”

Debra nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Hardy.”

“Not at all. I’m glad to help,” Pedro replied, his smile warm.

He turned to Marion and continued, “The car is ready. We’ll take you back.”

“Okay,” Marion agreed, staying close to Debra’s side.

Pedro followed behind them. One of the prison guards whispered, “Sir, isn’t this Mrs. Nichols? Why is she so close to Mr. Houston?”