Watching Sandra's face cycle through a range of emotions, Tiffany rolled her eyes and left. Whatever Sandra was concocting, Tiffany couldn't care less. As far as she was concerned, Sandra and Kenneth deserved each other—a match made in hell, and she was perfectly content with that.
After breakfast, taking advantage of the weekend, Tiffany brought Eric to accompany Thalia to the hospital. Thalia had been suffering from frequent headaches, and Tiffany wouldn't rest until they were checked.
Talk about a small world—the hospital they chose was Lovell City's most famous, owned by the Pauley family. A century-old medical dynasty, the Pauleys held significant influence in the city. Sidney was the family's youngest heir.
Upon arrival, the hospital was chaotic; overflowing with patients. It looked like a long wait—at least two hours before they'd be seen.
"Mom, come sit," Tiffany said, massaging Thalia's temples. "You need to relax, eat properly, and not worry about trifles. That's why you're always getting headaches."
"Relax? As if! The Olsons are a disaster. We're lucky we caught that supply chain issue before it exploded, or your dad would be ruined!" Thalia groaned.
Putting on a brave face for the children, Thalia tried to change the subject. "This headache's nothing. Maybe we should just go home."
"No way," Tiffany said firmly. "We've come this far; let's get you checked."
Eric nodded in agreement.
Thalia gave up trying to dissuade her stubborn siblings. She smiled and complied.
After a long wait, it was finally their turn. Thalia stood, ready to go in with the children. Suddenly, three burly men appeared, blocking the door.
"Step aside and let our client through. The rest of you, back off!" one barked, aggressively.
Tiffany's temper flared. "Oh yeah? And what if I don't?" she retorted, hands on her hips.
The bodyguard scowled. "Listen, missy. You don't want to cross the Hayes family. You'll regret it!"
A richly dressed woman, Charlotte Hayes, strutted out from behind the bodyguards, her nose in the air.
Rolling her eyes, she snapped, "What's all the talking? If they won't leave, get rid of them!"
Thalia tugged Tiffany's sleeve. "Hey, let's go. We can wait."
But Tiffany stood firm. She could take a lot, but backing down would only encourage such behavior.
As Charlotte gave the order, her bodyguards moved to shove Tiffany and Thalia out. Before they could touch Thalia, Tiffany reacted, seizing two men's wrists in a powerful grip.
Tiffany twisted their wrists forcefully. The men yelled in pain. She kicked two away. As the last bodyguard lunged, Eric shouted, "Tiffany, I've got this!"
Eric kicked out—wildly, but effectively. He hit the man squarely, causing a pained cry.
"Ow!" The bodyguard's scream surpassed the others.
Tiffany blinked, then ruffled Eric's hair. "Nice shot, buddy!"
She then stepped in front of Charlotte, who was trying to leave. With a saccharine smile, Tiffany asked, "Leaving so soon, Mrs. Hayes? I thought you were eager to see the doctor?"
Charlotte stumbled back, her face a mix of fear and indignation. "You've got nerve! Don't you know who we are?"
The Hayes family was indeed powerful, rivaling the Kelleys. They were likely here to cause trouble. But Charlotte hadn't anticipated Tiffany's swift action.
"Why would I, Mrs. Hayes?" Tiffany smirked, watching Charlotte's composure crumble. "Look, you're getting on in years. Why embarrass yourself? Stay home and use a face mask. No need to strut around unless you have a real reason."
Tiffany's words stung Charlotte. Furious but speechless, Charlotte stormed off with her bodyguards.
Thalia looked at her children, worry etched on her face. "Are you two okay?"
"We're fine! Tiffany was awesome," Eric said, admiring his sister.
The incident was over, but the hospital gave them the cold shoulder, citing the disruption.
Eric wasn't letting it go. "Hey, what's fair about that? They started it!"
Thalia saw Eric's temper rising. She intervened. "Easy, kiddo. We're okay, but we ruffled feathers. Let's go find another hospital."
The hospital administrator, icy-toned, said, "Just leave. If Mrs. Hayes returns, you'll involve the whole hospital." They were clearly afraid of the Hayes family.
Tiffany glared at him, then silently led Thalia out. There was no point in escalating.
Tiffany clenched her fists. To succeed, she needed power.
Then, a gentle voice said, "Mrs. Kelley, may I examine you?"
Sidney approached, apologetic. "I'm sorry. My team failed. Next time, please come directly to me."
(The final sentence about FindNovel.ηet is promotional and unrelated to the story, so I've omitted it.)