The air in the car suddenly grew tense. John sat in the front, not daring to turn his head. In the back seat, Tiffany took a moment to compose herself. Remembering the recent events, her face flushed and her heart pounded. She couldn't help glancing at Richard and softly muttered, "So awful."
Richard's smile deepened. The little girl's blush was captivating; even her bright eyes held an indescribable allure. That subtle charm was utterly seductive. He remained silent, but his throat worked, a fire burning within him, increasing his thirst.
Tiffany quickly changed the subject. "How did you know I was here?" she asked. She'd heard about his company's significant losses from a previous project just days earlier; he'd been swamped with problems. How could he know about her arrest, which had only happened four hours prior?
Richard chuckled softly. "My brother-in-law found me," he replied.
'Brother-in-law?' Even Tiffany, known for her quick wit, took a moment to realize he meant Eric. Her eyelids flickered. A thought struck her. "You bribed him? He's the one who unlocked the window last time, right?"
Richard's calm demeanor didn't waver. "Always on your side," he said. The statement held a double meaning: even with Eric's help, he remained loyal to his sister, and he was demonstrating his sincerity.
Tiffany was speechless. Soon, the car stopped. They had arrived at the Kelley family home. Worried about her family, Tiffany immediately exited the vehicle. As she turned to wave goodbye, Richard also got out, calmly stating, "Let's go."
She looked startled. "What? You're coming in with me?" A midnight visit seemed inappropriate.
"Yes," Richard replied, his eyes twinkling, his seriousness evident. He wouldn't pass up this opportunity to claim credit. With that, he walked inside. Tiffany followed, confused.
Upon seeing Tiffany's return, the servant exclaimed joyfully, "Miss Kelley is back!" The entire house had been brightly lit since Tiffany's arrest, a sleepless night of worry for everyone, even the servants. Her safe return brought immense relief. The servant's eyes widened in surprise at the tall, noble, and handsome figure following Tiffany.
Richard walked in slowly, his composure regal, like a prince from a painting; his every movement captivating. The servant stared, stunned, before recognizing him and instructing others to inform the family.
Charlie was tending to his wife in the bedroom. He respectfully invited the guest in. Thalia, shaken by the day's events, had fainted from anger. Fortunately, she had recovered and sighed worriedly. "No wonder Tiffany wouldn't let us give her a dowry! Sandra deliberately fell to frame our daughter!"
"Honey, calm down. You're not well. Don't worry, I've found the best lawyer. Nothing will happen to our daughter," Charlie reassured her. He'd personally consulted a renowned lawyer with an impeccable record.
"I'm just worried about Tiffany. That place must be terrifying. Will they have treated her well?" Thalia stood, taking her husband's hand. "Can we see her now? I need to see our daughter."
Charlie, equally anxious, had been desperate to see Tiffany but had been occupied with his wife and the lawyer. He was about to agree when the maid shouted, "Miss Kelley is back!"
"What?" Charlie and Thalia rushed out, running downstairs to find Tiffany on the sofa, Eric holding her close.
"My girl is back! Thank God, thank God!" They embraced their daughter.
Tiffany smiled, comforting them. "Don't worry, I'm fine. You can see, right?" To avoid further concern, she'd expertly applied makeup to conceal her wounds. Her skill was truly remarkable.
Richard showed no surprise. Tiffany suspected her identity as the Miracle Healer had long been known to him, so she chose not to hide it.
Seeing his daughter safe, Charlie turned to Richard with gratitude. "Mr. Hampton, thank you so much. You saved our daughter and family. I'm sorry to bother you again, but I promise, if you ever need anything, I'll do anything for you!"
Thalia nudged him. "Stop being so formal. How about this? Don't call him Mr. Hampton, it's too distant." She smiled at Richard. "You're around our daughter's age. If you don't mind, can we call you Richard?"
The informal address instantly created a warmer connection. Richard smiled. "I'd appreciate that." It had been years since someone had called him by his first name, and the warmth was deeply felt.
Tiffany was bewildered. 'So, you've made my mom your mother-in-law? Wait, no! Mother-in-law? How is that even possible? We're not even' She was astonished by her mother's easy acceptance of Richard. Thalia seemed genuinely fond of him.
Charlie felt a pang of unease. 'Why is she so close to him? He just brought our daughter back. Are we giving her away just like that? No way!'
Thalia, knowing her husband well, gave him a withering look. 'Who cares what you think? I approve!'
Eric's eyes gleamed. 'Good brother-in-law!'
The final two sentences ("Search the FindNovel.ηet website on Google") were removed as they are clearly promotional and out of place within the narrative.