Chapter 307

As that thought sank in, Tiffany wondered if she was overthinking. She felt drawn to the farmhouse, unwittingly. However, before she could approach, an unfamiliar bodyguard stopped her, saying sternly, "Our master needs to rest. Please leave." Tiffany peeked inside. Seeing no familiar faces, she turned back. She slept poorly that night.

The next morning, the sound of roosters crowed in the distance. The air in the valley was extremely fresh. The distant mountains were lush and beautiful, like a painting. Wisps of smoke rose from every farmhouse chimney as villagers prepared breakfast. The village chief's daughter-in-law had already laid out a sumptuous breakfast by the time Tiffany emerged from her room. The daughter-in-law smiled shyly. "I was worried you girls wouldn't be accustomed to our food, so I added more variety. There's toast, eggs and bacon, mashed potatoes, pancakes… What do you like?"

"Thank you," Tiffany replied. She wasn't a fussy eater. She sat down and began scooping potatoes. The villagers cooked with firewood stoves; the food had a fragrance that gas-cooked food lacked.

By the time Tiffany and Zoe finished, Kenneth Harper and his group arrived. Because the Harper group was larger, they were allocated lodging in different parts of the village, thus becoming more dispersed. Rooms in various farmhouses were freed up for this purpose.

On the way, Melody Princeton was in a good mood. Sandra Olson had said she would act against Tiffany on their first night. Therefore, something should have happened to Tiffany by now if Sandra's plan had succeeded. However, upon arriving at the village chief's house, Melody was dumbfounded. What was going on? Why was Tiffany still eating breakfast, appearing healthy and uninjured? In fact, she seemed completely unrattled. Melody fumed inwardly. She couldn't count on Sandra at all. She was glad they would stay in the mountains for a few days; if she didn't succeed on the first day, she would have other chances. No matter what, she had to get rid of this thorn in her side.

Melody suppressed her anger and asked with a faint smile, "Did you guys sleep well last night? If you're not used to it, I can send some blankets over."

Chapter 307

The Harper group came well-equipped with food, clothing, and other modern necessities. Kenneth not only brought daily necessities but also had servants attending him constantly. Large items like inflatable mattresses and blankets had been carried up the mountain by the local villagers. With such comfortable conditions, their stay was naturally very cushy.

Zoe, thinking Melody was showing off, immediately rolled her eyes. "There's no need for that. We're doing fine. We don't need your feigned kindness."

Melody felt wronged and asked, tears welling in her eyes, "I was just concerned for all of you. We're all classmates and friends, but why do you always single me out?"

Zoe looked exaggeratedly incomprehending. "Huh? Haven't I made it clear enough? Your pretentiousness is obvious to everyone, yet you still try to be coy. Aren't you asking for trouble?"

Tiffany laughed. Generally speaking, Zoe's sharp tongue was on par with Tiffany's. In arguments, she needed no help; she could single-handedly silence a group of people. Tiffany wanted to applaud her friend.

Once again, Melody was humiliated. With a look of resignation, Kenneth intervened, pulling Melody away. He changed the subject, saying, "Are you girls done eating? If so, let's go."

Their mission was not only to donate supplies; they were also funding a new school for the village children. Therefore, they needed to choose a location to begin the project as soon as possible.

"Let's go then," Tiffany said. She would never deliberately make things difficult for anyone. She stood up and prepared to leave.

At that moment, a commotion erupted in the next farmhouse. Rows of bodyguards emerged and stood neatly on either side. Soon, a tall, lanky figure appeared. A hush fell over everyone; all eyes were focused on the same spot in amazement.

A man walked out slowly. He had an exceptionally handsome face and deep, icy eyes. He exuded nobility, and his every move possessed a relaxed elegance incongruous with the mountain village. Like an emperor, he had an imperious demeanor that cowed people into submission. The oppressive feeling he inspired weighed down on everyone, making it difficult to breathe.

Tiffany clenched her fists. Her heart pounded; she couldn't believe her eyes. The man slowly approaching was Richard Hampton! To think he would appear here in person.

09:02 Mon, Oct 28 Chapter 307

After a long while, Kenneth recovered himself and called out, "Uncle? Why are you here?"

"Why? Can't I come?" Richard replied in his usual icy, languid tone, though a steely edge made him even more unapproachable than usual.

Kenneth sidestepped the question, saying, "I'm just a little surprised…" He had heard that a benefactor had invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Melvor Mountain Village's development. To his surprise, the benefactor was his uncle, Richard Hampton. Kenneth didn't believe this was a coincidence. In the silent crowd, he secretly glanced at Tiffany. The reason his uncle had come was probably because of her…

Melody reached the same conclusion. She had long heard that the powerful Mr. Hampton had defended Tiffany publicly many times, even humiliating his nephew, Kenneth. The more these rumors spread, the more distorted they became. Which woman wouldn't be envious and jealous of Tiffany? Melody felt the same way. She wanted a higher position, but this man was not to be trifled with, so she put the thought aside. She didn't understand what he saw in Tiffany to be so obsessed.

Melody clenched her fists, resentment overwhelming her. At this moment, a petite, energetic figure rushed over like a delicate butterfly. Brimming with energy, she dashed up to Richard and called out, "Sir, did you rest well last night?" Grelle's smile was radiant; her eyes were filled with adoration. It was the gaze of a woman adoring a man.

Melody's eyes flickered; a sly smile crept across her face. This young lady's courage was commendable. If she could catch Richard's eye, what would happen to Tiffany? Melody couldn't wait to find out.

However, in the next second, Richard frowned and shot Grelle such an icy glare that she froze on the spot.