Chapter 330

Tiffany's expression changed. She rushed to Melorly, grabbing her wrist and dislocating it with a forceful movement. The knife fell to the ground. Tiffany turned and slapped Melody, warning, "I'm warning you. If you dare to hurt my family in the slightest, I—"

Before she could finish, Thalia slapped her. Tiffany looked up in disbelief. "Mom?"

Thalia was stunned, her numb palm a testament to the force of the slap. She felt guilty and at a loss. Remembering Melody's claims of humiliation due to her lowly birth, and seeing her dislocated wrist, Thalia's anger erupted. Trembling, she scolded, "You can't bully her like this! I've raised you for over ten years. Did I ever teach you to bully others?"

Tiffany stood speechless, her eyelashes fluttering. She questioned whether the angry woman before her was truly her gentle, dignified mother. Thalia seemed unfamiliar and frightening. A lump formed in her throat.

With difficulty, Tiffany said, "That's not true. She was going to hurt you. That's why I—"

"You're still quibbling?" Thalia's eyes reddened with anger.

Tiffany felt a chill at the word "quibbling." She couldn't argue.

Thalia asked, "Melody said you pushed her into the water at Melvor Mountain. Is that true?"

"Yes," Tiffany admitted without hesitation.

"How could you?" Thalia was disappointed. "Your father and I have secured your future. We don't expect academic excellence or company management, only kindness. Is that so hard to achieve?"

Tiffany's lips twitched. "Yes, it's hard."

In her past life, the Kelley family had suffered because of her kindness. She feared that excessive kindness would leave her unable to protect her parents.

"How dare you!" Thalia, about to strike again, trembled and retracted her hand, looking away. "What are you waiting for? Hurry and call the doctor!"

This outburst shocked the servants, who immediately ran for a doctor. Melody, pale from pain, fainted. Cedar Ridge Villa was in chaos.

Eric, rushing from the kitchen, saw half of Tiffany's cheek swollen, bright red fingerprints prominent. Furious, he demanded, "Tiffany, who did this?" His fists clenched, ready to avenge her.

Tiffany stroked his hair, saying gently, "No one. I was itchy and scratched myself."

Eric, though smart, always believed her. Tiffany hoped to deceive him. He remained unconvinced, "Is that so?"

A servant interrupted indignantly, "Mrs. Kelley hit her! I've never seen Mrs. Kelley hit Ms. Kelley for an outsider!"

"Mom hit you?" Eric's eyes widened. He rushed upstairs, exclaiming, "No, I have to find out!"

Tiffany called, "Eric!" but he ran off.

Upstairs, the doctor examined Melody. "Nothing serious. The dislocation's fixed. She fainted from low blood sugar. Don't worry, Mrs. Kelley, she'll wake up soon."

Thalia sighed in relief. After the doctor left, she instructed servants to take food to Melody's room. Their meticulous care prompted whispers among the servants: "Who is that girl? Why does Mrs. Kelley care so much? She even hit Ms. Kelley for her!"

Unaware of the gossip, Eric appeared at Melody's door. "Get her out of here! I don't want that woman in our house!"

Thalia sighed. "Eric, be nice. Melody's injured and our guest. We should take care of her."

Eric insisted, "She's not welcome! Tell her to leave!"

Thalia, slightly stunned, probed, "Eric, what if… I acknowledged her as my goddaughter? You'd have another sister."

"No!" Eric cried. "I only have one sister! Only Tiffany!"

Thalia sighed. Her guilt and love had prompted her impulsive suggestion.

Eric sniffled, relieved. "Mom, you hit Tiffany. She'll be sad."

Thalia, trembling, asked, "Where's Tiffany?" She stood to look for her, but a servant said, "Ms. Kelley has gone out."

Tiffany walked alone, depressed, under the yellowing parasol trees. She bumped into someone. "Sorry," she murmured, moving aside. The person followed her.

Tiffany frowned and looked up. Under the trees, a tall, handsome man stood before her—Richard. Distress clouded his eyes as he gently caressed her swollen face. "Does it hurt?"

A lump formed in Tiffany's throat. She threw herself into his arms, whispering, "It hurts." Only with Richard could she feel like a child needing care.

"Come with me," he said, stroking her hair and leading her to a luxury car. He had clearly been following her.

In the car, he applied ointment to her face. Relief washed over her. Tiffany sniffed, "Thank you."

"I'll take you somewhere," Richard said, glancing at the driver, John. The car pulled away.