Chapter 312
Richard’s eyes held a ravenous look, like a predator eyeing its prey. Tiffany was startled and quickly withdrew her hand. "You're aware? Are you feeling unwell? Shall I get Mr. Pauley to check on you?" Even as she spoke, she prepared to flee.
Before she could move, she felt a hand yanking her back. Caught off guard, she fell onto the bed—onto Richard. She could feel his chest rumbling as he chuckled deeply.
Embarrassed, she said, "Hey, your injuries haven't healed yet. Your wounds will open again. Let go!"
Richard released her, but before Tiffany could rise, his lips met hers. "Oof!" Her surprised eyes took in his handsome face, sharp eyebrows, and keen, bright eyes, before the kiss faded into a sweet tenderness.
Tiffany was swept off her feet by this man, who had been plotting for so long. After what felt like a long time, Richard reluctantly let her go. Tiffany's face was flushed; her usually clear eyes were misty. She was alluring.
Richard gazed at her deeply, his Adam's apple bobbing. Tiffany recovered and tried to push him away. "What if someone sees us? Scumbag, let go…"
Richard was on the verge of losing control. He took a deep breath, afraid that once he tasted the sweetness, he wouldn't be able to restrain himself. He resigned himself to fate and allowed her to distance herself.
Tiffany finally understood: this man was a ravenous wolf. Richard felt no guilt. Instead, he beckoned her. "Why are you keeping yourself so far away from me? Come here."
Tiffany ignored him. "It seems your injuries are almost healed. Since you don't need care anymore, I'm leaving." She had work to do tonight. According to Jeremy, Melody Princeton and Sandra Olson planned to attack her; she'd been waiting for their trap for two days and didn't want to disappoint them.
As Tiffany turned to leave, he called out weakly, "Tiffany, I want some water…"
She turned back, seeing his pale, handsome face. He looked so weak and helpless… Tiffany stopped herself from falling under his spell. He was unbelievably handsome, even in his weakened state!
Despite her resistance, Tiffany succumbed to his charm. She poured a glass of water, carefully testing the temperature before bringing it to him. "Here you go."
"Feed it to me," Richard cajoled in a low voice.
When Tiffany didn't move, Richard weakly waved the IV drip. "I'm injured; I can't raise my arm."
How shameless! she thought. He had no problem raising his arm when he hugged and kissed me!
Grumbling inwardly, Tiffany gently fed him the water.
"I'm hungry…" Richard requested.
"Do you want to try this?" Tiffany, having brought snacks, produced a packet of dried prunes and offered him one.
Richard shrugged, so Tiffany popped one in her own mouth. The next second, his hand grabbed the back of her head, and he kissed her again, snatching the prune from her mouth. The sour and sweet taste intertwined with amorous overtures.
After breaking away, Tiffany stared in disbelief. He was still unsatisfied. "I didn't say I don't want it," he said languidly.
"How infuriating!" Tiffany's eyes widened in anger.
As she considered punching him, John Ross barged in, catching them close. He scratched his head awkwardly. "Have… have I come at a bad time?"
Tiffany blushed furiously and fled, running from the farmhouse and into the cold wind to cool her burning face.
Zoe waited next door. Seeing Tiffany's blush, she understood. "Oh, I get it! No wonder Sidney refused to let me enter Richard's farmhouse to look for Tiffany. Something interesting was going on next door!" Zoe was excited. "Tiffany, come clean. Was there some development?"
Tiffany blushed but confided in Zoe. "Well, there was some sort of development."
Zoe wasn't surprised. "I knew it!" She'd guessed this would happen; one couldn't hide love in one's eyes.
Grelle called from afar, "Tiffany, Zoe, the feast is about to begin. Come quickly!"
"Got it. We'll be right there," Zoe replied.
Grelle nodded and then headed to Richard's farmhouse, surprisingly without clamoring to see him. She simply relayed a message to the bodyguards before leaving.
Tiffany was surprised. "Why did Grelle…"
"She probably got over it. Forget about her, Tiffany. Let's go to the feast," Zoe said, leading Tiffany away, concealing that she'd warned Grelle against bothering Richard.
At the farmhouse hosting the feast, the cooks had been busy all afternoon. Ingredients were prepared, and dishes were almost ready.
Unnoticed, Melody Princeton snuck into the kitchen with the knockout powder Sandra Olson had given her. She'd wanted to add it earlier but hadn't found an opportunity. Even when offering to help, the villagers had chased her away.
With fewer people around, she chose a bag of salt, added the powder, mixed it thoroughly, and emerged. To her dismay, a child stood at the door, watching her curiously. "What are you doing?"
"Argh!" Melody nearly jumped out of her skin.