In Romeo's eyes, the two families were already connected through relatives, effectively making them one. Furthermore, since Richard was Kenneth's uncle, his involvement in the marriage discussions was natural.

As soon as Romeo finished speaking, the room's temperature plummeted. The pleasant atmosphere vanished, replaced by an overwhelming chill.

"Oh? You want me to choose a date?" Richard smiled suddenly. "Do they even deserve it?"

His words, laced with inscrutable emotion, stunned Romeo. He hadn't anticipated such disrespect. The atmosphere instantly became tense and heavy.

Richard remained calm. His handsome face revealed no discernible emotion, only a faint smile hinting at his authority. An air of chilling superiority enveloped him, making everyone uneasy.

Tiffany remained silent, her hands tightening unconsciously. She couldn't determine if Richard's "deserve it" referred to her, Kenneth, or both.

After a long pause, Romeo attempted to ease the tension. "I hadn't considered this thoroughly," he said. "Mr. Hampton, you're busy; why waste your time on such trivialities?" He then turned to Tiffany, waving. "Tiffany, you're practically family now, so you should meet the relatives."

Tiffany smiled sarcastically. Meet the relatives? she thought. What kind of relative would I be?

Calling Richard "uncle" as Kenneth's fiancée frustrated Tiffany. She couldn't tell if Romeo was confused or acting. She had clearly stated her desire to cancel the engagement, returning everything and following all procedures. Despite this, Romeo feigned ignorance, making her feel cornered.

Any goodwill Tiffany felt toward Romeo vanished. Just as she was about to speak, Richard stood abruptly. His handsome, pale face was icy. "That won't be necessary," he said, leaving without another word.

Richard's impenetrable coldness was evident throughout. Seeing this, Alexia's eyes lit up. She remembered Romeo's birthday banquet, where she'd tried to humiliate Tiffany, only to be thwarted by Richard.

This time, even Romeo had been rebuffed, so Alexia hesitated, fearing Richard's intervention. But he showed no such intention.

Overjoyed, Alexia emerged from behind the sofa, sneering. "Oh, look! No one's protecting you now!"

"Shut up! Watch your mouth, or I'll sew it shut!" Tiffany shoved Alexia aside, ignoring Romeo's calls as she left.

Outside, Richard was already in his car, the windows up. However, one of his men, whom she recognized from Royal Bay (he'd called her "Mrs. Hampton"), caught her eye. Before entering the car, he silently mouthed, "Mrs. Hampton, Mr. Hampton is easy to please!"

Tiffany blinked. Easy to please? she thought. That man is cold and fierce! No way!

This couldn't be fixed with casual words. She'd chosen to oppose him, unintentionally hurting him. Appeasing Richard now would likely be futile.

As Tiffany stood, a chilling voice commanded from the back seat, "Drive."

"Yes!" The driver, drenched in cold sweat, immediately obeyed.

Tiffany smiled wryly. She'd known this would happen.

Inside the car, the atmosphere was freezing. Both the driver and John, Richard's subordinate, sensed the impending storm.

Richard spoke indifferently, "John, what did you say to her?"

John cursed his blunder. He'd tried to conceal his words by mouthing them, but Richard had noticed. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. He confessed, "I told her you're easy to please…"

He was doomed. But then, silence. John glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Richard, usually impassive, pinching his face in thought. He almost thought it was an illusion, John thought.

After a long while, Richard's expression returned to normal. "Don't let it happen again," he said.

"Yes!" John replied.

Returning home, Tiffany recounted her experience. Hearing his daughter had been pressured, Charlie raged. "What's wrong with the Harpers? Do they think they can push me around?"

Although a one-year engagement was agreed upon, it was understood the marriage would be called off if feelings didn't develop. However, Kenneth's previous actions with Sandra, and now with another girl, violated this. The Harpers' attempt to force Tiffany into marriage was, to Charlie, robbery. He was ready to confront them.

Thalia stopped him. "Are you crazy? They won't admit anything. It'll just cause more trouble."

"Then what?" Charlie asked anxiously.

"Let's give them a taste of their own medicine. If Kenneth can be fickle, so can our daughter," Thalia said, smirking.

Charlie laughed. "Brilliant!" It was a win-win: revenge without hindering Tiffany's future.

Their eyes turned to Tiffany. "Sweetheart, do you have someone special?"

Tiffany stared in disbelief. The idea was great, but she had no one. She quickly shook her head. "Not now. It's late. You should rest." She hurried to her room.

Thalia smiled. "I think Mr. Hampton would be a great choice."