Chapter 317

If Kenneth had been firmer earlier, before Melody completely fell out with Tiffany, Melody might have stopped being enemies with Tiffany for his sake and even become friends. It was impossible now.

The two hugged for a long while. Melody finally stopped crying and said to Kenneth, “You go ahead. I’m a little sleepy. I want to sleep for a while.”

“Okay.” Kenneth tucked her in and left.

The moment the door closed, the gentle smile on Melody’s face disappeared. She took out her phone and immediately called Sandra Olson. She wanted to ask what happened last night and how Tiffany discovered their secret plan. If their plan hadn't been leaked, she wouldn't have fallen into Tiffany’s trap and almost lost her life in that pit. But no matter how many times she called, no one answered.

Melody became suspicious. She rarely contacted Sandra, especially after coming to the mountains. The phone reception was erratic, and sometimes calls couldn't go through. However, Melody had been unconscious for a day. Sandra should have been watching the area constantly. It was impossible that she didn't know what happened, yet she hadn't made any move all day. What did this mean? Could something have happened to Sandra?

Melody panicked, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Meanwhile, at the village chief’s house…

After Tiffany dismissed the children pestering her, she avoided Zoe and secretly met Jeremy Cooper in the backyard. He had disguised himself as a staff member and hidden in the mountains.

She asked, “How did it go?”

Jeremy nodded. “Mm-hmm. It went as you predicted.”

“Good.” Tiffany smiled.

Last night's events were an accident. Melody and Sandra had set a trap to kill her. Tiffany only instructed Jeremy to switch the location of the flag, instantly swapping Melody’s and her positions. If that villager hadn't rescued her, Melody would have suffered the consequences of her own actions. As they say, "Man proposes, God disposes."

Even if Melody escaped, Tiffany wouldn't let the other culprit, Sandra Olson, go. Therefore, on the day she went up the mountain, she told Jeremy to inform the Booth family that Sandra Olson was still alive. Sandra had married Jordan Booth in a high-profile wedding, subsequently causing the Booth family to lose their fortune. If the Booth family knew she was still alive, would they let her off? In particular, Sandra's mother-in-law, Lauren Booth, used to live luxuriously. After their wealth was lost due to Sandra, she had no choice but to return to her impoverished rural hometown. If her mother-in-law caught Sandra, she would probably make her life miserable. Incidentally, the Booth family's hometown was in a village next to Melvor Mountain, less than fifteen miles away…

Tiffany said slowly, “It’s time for their family reunion.”

“Understood.” Jeremy nodded and immediately left.

Leaves floated down like confetti in the backyard. Tiffany reached out to catch a leaf. After a while, she turned to leave and saw a tall figure standing under a large tree, silently watching her.

The tall, lanky man had broad shoulders and a narrow waist. He wore a smart, elegant suit that accentuated his physique. He was aloof, his understated seductiveness making him even more irresistible.

Tiffany didn't know if he overheard her conversation with Jeremy. Feeling awkward, she dragged her feet as she approached him.

“When… when did you arrive?” Tiffany mumbled.

“Since you won’t visit me, surely I’m allowed to visit you?” Richard Hampton’s voice was still a little hoarse, his gaze full of reproach. “I wonder who agreed to take care of me. In the end, I didn’t see anyone all day.”

“I thought your injuries might heal faster if I didn’t disrupt your recuperation.” Tiffany rubbed her nose. Richard found this lame excuse remarkably well-founded.

Richard laughed, exasperated. He immediately pulled her to the farmhouse next door. Once the door closed, he pressed her down on the bed.

“I was wrong, I was wrong, Sir! Let’s talk nicely. A gentleman uses his mouth, not his hands. Don’t…” Tiffany begged frantically.

Before she could finish, she heard a ripping sound. Her clothes were torn open, and her back suddenly felt cold. Tiffany felt helpless, thinking she was doomed, but to her surprise, she felt something cool on her back, and a medicinal scent wafted out. The wound felt cool and comfortable as the medicine took effect. This man was only helping her apply medicine. It was a false alarm.

Tiffany sighed in relief. Then, she heard the man’s ambiguous voice behind her. “Little pervert, what are you thinking?”

“N-nothing…” Though Tiffany denied it, her ears turned red.

After applying the medicine, Richard withdrew. “It’s done.” Even though he was finished, she didn’t dare to get up.

Tiffany said glumly, “My clothes…”

“Here. Put it on.” Richard took out a set of clothes from the wardrobe and handed them to Tiffany. It was some kind of work clothing—fashionable, smart, suitable for the mountains, and covered her arms and legs well.

Richard left before she could say anything. Only then did Tiffany reluctantly put on the new clothes.

A few minutes later, she opened the door and walked out. “I’m done.”

Richard turned around. Under the light, the young girl’s long hair was tied in a high ponytail. Her exquisite face was beautiful and stunning, even without makeup. She now wore a work suit, custom-made by a famous international designer. The style was trendy, making her look smart and cool. Most importantly, her small waist was accentuated.

Richard gazed at her in satisfaction. “Not bad.”

“What’s not bad?” Tiffany wondered if he meant the clothes or her. As she prepared for some self-admiration, the man looked at her and replied faintly, “Much more pleasing to the eye than earlier.”

“Huh? What’s wrong with my outfit just now? Isn’t it just a normal tank top and shorts?” she wondered.

What Tiffany didn’t know was that when she sauntered around in her tank top and shorts, her sun-kissed smooth skin seemed to glow, causing others to ogle her. She didn't notice, but a certain man had turned green with jealousy, prompting him to get people to deliver this outfit with a phone call.

Sidney whistled from outside, then strolled in leisurely with his hands in his pockets, teasing Richard. “Tsk! Where did this green-eyed monster come from?”

Richard shot him an icy gaze. “Are you very free?”

“No, I suddenly remembered that I still have something to do. Goodbye!” Sidney slipped away immediately.

Seeing this, Tiffany also ran outside. “I have something to do too!”

She had barely taken two steps before she was pulled into the man’s embrace. A refreshing scent overwhelmed her, titillating her immensely.