“No, the outsider wouldn’t be innocent at all.” Ralph interrupted. He could not allow Alexander to persuade the other elders.
‘What a joke. If the outsider were innocent, Alex would be innocent, and everyone would forgive him. If that’s the case, I can’t claim my seat as the family patriarch.’
“If the outsider enjoyed our family’s privileges, they would be at fault. How can an outsider be so entitled when they aren’t one of us? If the outsider is already an adult, they can make a living independently. Since our family has already nurtured the outsider, we must not allow them to take anything more from us.”
It was evident that Ralph aimed his speech at Alexander. Some had already realized who he was talking about and looked at Alexander with unreadable expressions. If Ralph were right and Alexander was not a blood relative to the Russell family, then who was he? Does that mean his mother had an affair?
When the elders realized who Ralph aimed his speech at, they chose to remain silent. The elders would voice their opinions if this concerned someone from the branch family.
However, it was about the most critical figure in the family. Alexander was the head of the family, and his existence was power itself. This issue could make or break the Russell family, so everyone remained silent.
As the atmosphere in the room tensed, Ralph continued to confront Alexander. The air in the room resembled a gas-leaked area where a tiny spark from a lighter could blow the place to bits.
At that moment, a housekeeper came rushing in. “Mr. Alexander, Ms. Riggs is here. Her car is outside.”
Ralph raised his eyebrows in surprise as he did not expect her to show up. Still, “Heather” appeared at the best time, and Ralph was glad she was here to witness his victory. If Ralph could choose, he wanted everyone to witness his most glorious moment.
Ralph could not help but smile. “Bring her in right away.”
“This is a family meeting. It isn’t suitable for Ms. Riggs to be here,” someone in the crowd protested.
Ralph immediately explained, “Ms. Riggs is my fiancee, and we’ll be married soon. So, technically, she’s also part of the Russell family. Of course, she’s allowed to attend our meeting.” Since Ralph had chosen to say this, those who had objections kept quiet.
Moments later, “Heather” came in dressed in a custom-made suit. Two other men who were bearing gifts accompanied her. She was surprised to see so many people in the room but continued walking toward Ralph.
“Sorry to be a bother, but I brought some gifts for Mrs. Russell. I hope she’s well,” Heather said politely. Most in the room had already heard of her, but this was their first time seeing her in person. Everyone thought this Heather Riggs was different from what the rumors said.
Ralph said smilingly, “You’re too kind. We’re family, so you don’t have to be so formal.”
Ralph noticed the elders looking at him and Heather, so he took Heather into his arms. “I’m sure you’re exhausted from traveling. Why don’t you sit and let us finish our important discussion.”
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