“Heather Riggs?” Margaret mentioned the nand shook her head with pursed lips. “I doubt so.” “Grandma...” “Although | sometimes make silly mistakes, I'm a good judge of character at my age. | initially chose her so Ralph could benefit from her family’s influence, and her capability could...” Thinking that she had wanted to help Ralph seize power with the Riggs’ assistance, Margaret stopped saying what was on her mind.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt‘How foolish was I?! | almost ruined the Russell family. If I did, how would | face Hugo in the afterlife?’ “Their relationship is based on mutual interest. Now that Ralph has ended up like this, | only hope she won't kick him when he’s down.” Lily did not entirely agree with Margaret and wanted to tell her that a housekeeper saw “Heather” as the last person who spoke to him that day, and the woman even kissed him before she left.
However, thinking that this did not concern her and that it was not her but the housekeeper who witnessed the whole thing, she decided to let it pass.
“Lily, open the nightstand’s second drawer.” Margaret turned her head away from the offered slice of bread to indicate that she had had enough and gestured in that direction.
Lily took a look, put down the bread and tray, and got up, pointing. “Here?” “Yes, that’s it. Pull it open.” Lily hesitated for a moment and did so. It was empty except for a seemingly high-quality black velvet box.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“You see the box? Take it out,” Margaret said.
Lily reached her hand in and took the box. “Is this the one, Grandma?” Margaret nodded, took the box, and gently rubbed her fingers against its surface as though she feared damaging it.
Lily looked on curiously, knowing it must contain something important to Margaret.
After caressing it, the older woman pressed on an exquisite latch on its front and opened the box. In it lay an emerald ring that looked gorgeous, with the gemstone so clear and pure in its green that it gave off an unassuming gleam of luxury.
“This has been passed down from my grandmother to my mother and then to me.” Margaret held the ring wistfully while recalling her past and youth. “When | married Alexander's grandpa, my mother gave this to me. | cfrom a large family, too, and my family has always passed this ring down to the daughters. Today I'm passing it to you.” Lily was astounded. “Grandma, no, this is too valuable!” The ring was so much more valuable than the bracelet. Lily knew it was not only expensive, but it also was a symbol of heritage. ‘I can’t accept something so valuable. | don’t deserve it.’ “Listen to me!” Margaret shoved it into her hand and said, “According to custom, | should pass it to Celine, but she...” She heaved a sigh. “I haven't taught her well, and | bear much responsibility for how she ended up. Now you're the Russell family’s mistress, and you must take care of it in the future. Since your role is to help Alex keep the family together, it's only natural | pass it to you.” “Grandma...” “Just take it. It's a gift not just frombut also from your grandpa. It's not just the ring. I'm counting on you and Alex to take care of the Russell family. | hope you remember what | said and bring the family to greater heights,” Margaret meant every word she said.