Melody stared at Felicia with a worried expression. She reminded her, "But Kenneth said that without evidence, it's better not to wrong an innocent person."

Felicia interrupted, "Innocent?" She sneered. "Innocent? The Kelley family? They're the reason my daughter was kidnapped, and those awful pictures were taken of her. In short, the Kelley family has completely ruined the Harper family's reputation! We can't let this slide!"

Melody said, "But Mrs. Harper" A brief, triumphant glint crossed her concerned eyes. She thought, It's good they can't let this slide. They should make a scene—the bigger, the better! They should utterly destroy the Kelley family and make sure Tiffany shoulders the full responsibility!

Meanwhile, at the Luna Villa, Tiffany was about to leave with Jeremy when a black luxury car, worth millions, pulled up. Its elegant lines spoke of its owner's noble status. The car door opened, revealing a graceful leg, followed by an exceptionally handsome man, regal and divine in demeanor. Even the stars seemed less dazzling in his presence.

Tiffany was stunned, then threw herself at him. "I'm so miserable!" she wailed, her voice full of grievance, though no tears fell. Richard found this both amusing and exasperating. He pinched her cheek. "Shall I help you get back at them?" he asked with a laugh.

"No need," Tiffany replied, pretending to sob. "People always say the loudest complainers get what they want, so I figured I'd test that theory." Richard's smile deepened when he noticed the mischievous glint in her eyes. He pulled her into his arms. "You can have anything you want," he whispered, his voice enchanting and smooth. "I'd even give you my life." The flirtatious undertone stirred her imagination. Tiffany smiled, her heart overflowing with sweetness. It felt good to have someone trust her wholeheartedly.

Chapter 272

"Alright, I'll let you get on with your work. I can handle this myself," Tiffany said, freeing herself from Richard's embrace. Her endearing smile and striking beauty evoked a desire to protect her. Richard stared at her, thinking, How I wish I could just tuck her away in my pocket! Two seconds later, he let go, allowing her to leave with Jeremy.

After watching them go, Richard returned to his car. Tyrone, in the passenger seat, adjusted his glasses and said respectfully, "The Harper family has issued a statement announcing they will no longer cooperate with the Kelley family. The Kelley Group is facing a significant drop in stock prices, with many collaborations canceled. If this continues, they'll be in serious trouble."

"The Harper family is indeed ruthless," John, the driver, muttered. "Shameless, rushing to suppress the Kelley family without evidence. They must have been planning this for a long time!"

"Do we need to do anything, Mr. Hampton?" John asked.

Richard, in the backseat, offered a chilling smile. The atmosphere in the car grew cold, making John and Tyrone shudder. In a low, chilling voice, Richard said, "Pass along my order. Make it clear I won't tolerate another derogatory word about Tiffany. And since the Harper family is so capable, let's clip their wings." Anyone who bullied Tiffany would pay the price.

"Yes, Mr. Hampton!" John and Tyrone replied.

Thus, the winds of Lovell City changed twice in a single day. The Harper family severed ties with the Kelley family, hinting at blacklisting and repression. Everyone sided with the Harper family, leaving the Kelley family facing public outrage. Charlie was extremely busy, knowing many awaited his downfall.

To everyone's surprise, it was revealed that the Harper family was involved in tax evasion. Ryan, the company head, faced hefty fines and possible jail time. In one day, the winds changed twice. Many who slandered the Kelley family received warning letters. Charlie's worries were soon over. The Kelley Group's former partners returned, along with many new collaborators eager to please.

Charlie knew only one person could have orchestrated this: Richard, the powerful business mogul. Tiffany, unsurprised by Richard's actions, was nonetheless impressed by his protectiveness. She found him incredibly attractive.

Tiffany laughed. The car stopped at a breakfast shop, its doors shut, elderly men chatting nearby. "The owners of this shop are so pitiful. The daughter they raised is gone just like that" Jade's parents owned the shop.

Tiffany sat gloomily, wondering who harmed Jade—the thugs who kidnapped Alexia, or someone else? Jeremy asked if she wanted to get out.

"No, keep driving," she said.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at an old residence. The sound of crying reached her ears. Tiffany wanted to approach but decided against it, fearing further complications. She turned away. "Let's go," she said.

After driving away, Tiffany added, "Donate 100,000 dollars to the Payne family anonymously."

"Okay," Jeremy agreed. "This has nothing to do with you. You don't have to blame yourself."

"I know," Tiffany said, sighing. "Let's go to Creek Lane, the alley where the accident happened."

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