There was no warmth, no emotion. It was Richard, still wearing the custom-made suit from the previous night. His handsome face, though sleepless, showed no sign of weariness. His eyebrows were sharp, his eyes bright. He was stunning, his aura of elegance undiminished.

The nurse gasped. He was Richard Hampton, the world's top tycoon—powerful, wealthy, his vast industry encompassing even the hospital itself. The nurse, excited and flushed, recognized her boss.

Kenneth and Sandra were stunned, frozen in place.

Richard walked past them, placing the breakfast in his hands beside Tiffany's bed. "It's your favorite porridge from Velvet & Vine?"

Tiffany blinked. "You didn't leave?" She instantly regretted the question. Of course he didn't, she thought. He hadn't even changed his clothes; he'd clearly been there the whole time. And someone had brought her breakfast.

Tiffany stared at Richard, a complex mix of emotions—sweet and sour—welling up within her. He gently patted her head, his expression utterly doting.

But when he turned to Sandra and Kenneth, the gentleness vanished, replaced by a cold, sharp gaze, hostility etched between his brows. The ward's atmosphere plummeted.

Sandra's face paled. She'd come to apologize to Tiffany, to show Kenneth that Tiffany wasn't worth his attention. Before she could act, she encountered Richard—a man she couldn't afford to offend.

Panic seized her. "Tiffany, I won't disturb your rest. I'll visit another day…"

Richard's deep, cold voice cut through the air. "Did I let you leave?" His words were laced with menace.

Sandra's legs weakened. "Mr. Hampton, you mean…"

"Aren't you just going to stand there?" Richard asked.

"Sure," she stammered.

Richard's lips curled into a cruel sneer. "Then stand until you die."

Sandra's expression changed. She never expected Richard, a man known for his power and aloofness, to speak to someone like this, for Tiffany of all people. The coldness was absolute; there was no warmth, no pity, only an indifferent tone, as if dealing with something insignificant.

Sandra recoiled. Even Kenneth was stunned. He stepped forward. "Uncle Richard, she's injured. I'll get her to apologize. Please let this matter pass…"

Richard glared coldly. "Who are you to speak here?"

Kenneth knew Richard's anger was terrifying. He immediately lowered his head, silently urging Sandra to apologize.

Seeing the situation, Sandra quickly gave in. "I'm sorry, Tiffany. I was anxious, I'm sorry, Mr. Hampton. I'm injured…" Sobbing, she added, "Otherwise, I'll really die!!"

She'd lowered herself, expecting some mercy, especially from someone as refined as Richard. She was wrong. Richard was always decisive.

"Kneel if you can't stand," he said casually. Kneel until she died.

Sandra's legs trembled; she almost knelt. Why is he so cruel? she thought.

"I'll die," Sandra begged, pleading with Richard, even looking to Tiffany for help. "Tiffany!"

Tiffany continued eating her porridge, ignoring her. Richard's expression remained unchanged. "It's just a compensation fee." Sandra's death seemed inconsequential.

Kenneth remained silent. Sandra stood for over two hours, until she finally collapsed, fainting. The nurse was summoned. Tiffany muttered, "A record of more than four hours. Not bad."

She'd expected Sandra to feign fainting, but Sandra dared not. The ploy only worked on Kenneth; Richard remained unmoved. Any attempt at deception would only worsen things.

Tiffany felt no sympathy. Sandra's actions had revealed her true intentions. But Richard's protectiveness… I owe him another huge favor, she thought.

Tiffany glanced at Richard, working on his laptop. He was handsome even in his concentration; his profile was sharp, his features flawless. His fingers, moving the mouse, were slender and elegant.

She rolled her eyes, then secretly took a photo. This will sell, she thought.

The flash went off. Richard turned, a leisurely question on his lips. "Are you taking a picture of me?"

Tiffany admitted it, even boasting about his good looks. (She wisely omitted her plan to sell the photo.)

Richard stood, approaching her. He took her phone, intending to take a photo of them both. A second before pressing the button, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, making the photo appear as though Tiffany was nestled in his embrace.

The passage referencing FindNovel.ηet was removed as it is an advertisement.