Chapter 332

Tiffany was amused, but blushed when he called her “my lady.” Embarrassed, she glared at Richard before quickly running away. “I’ll be off now. Bye!”

Seeing Tiffany flee, Richard was even happier. His usually firm and aloof face softened; his eyes sparkled. He wasn't angry at all; he only doted on Tiffany.

John sighed. He thought Mr. Hampton was a fatuous ruler, disregarding his injury and company matters to rush to Melvor Mountain just to woo Tiffany a few days ago. To justify his stay, Richard even spent 200 million dollars developing Melvor Mountain. Now, Tiffany had only given him a resentful look, yet he immediately tried to appease her, stunning John. He thought Richard had been completely subdued. John hid in the back and secretly laughed at the intimidating, powerful, and bad-tempered Mr. Hampton being a henpecked husband.

After leaving Royal Bay, Tiffany went straight to Owen’s new restaurant. En route, she asked the chauffeur to book a flower basket. Upon arrival, they found the restaurant entrance bustling with traffic; an endless stream of people were dining. Even the flower baskets were piled high.

Tiffany walked over and congratulated Owen with a bright smile. “Uncle Owen, I wish you success! I’m sure this place will be a great hit in the city!”

Seeing her, Owen was surprised and delighted. “Tiffany, it’s lovely to see you! I haven’t seen you in two months. I miss you so much!”

“That’s why I’m here,” Tiffany blinked playfully.

Owen laughed heartily. “Terrific! I’m sure my restaurant will be popular with your blessing, Tiffany!”

Tiffany said, “Then I’ll leave you with your guests, Uncle Owen. I’ll go in and wait for my father; he’ll be here from the company soon.”

“Okay, okay,” Owen replied.

Tiffany entered and saw a large restaurant, three floors of private rooms and long tables. The classical renovation style looked antique. There was even a large garden behind the restaurant for outdoor barbecues, connected to a man-made beach with swings where people could dangle their feet in the seawater.

Tiffany, in a good mood, chose a swing with a good view before her father arrived. She was swinging alone when her phone buzzed.

Tiffany answered Thalia’s call. “Tiffany…” Thalia’s worried voice came through. “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have hit you. I’m sorry…”

Tiffany swung and took a deep breath. “Mom, you don’t have to blame yourself. I’ve already forgotten about it.” She thought, To be honest, I did a lot of things wrong in my past life. She merely slapped me, so why should I hold her accountable? Moreover, I believe my mother loves me!

Thalia wiped her tears. “Then where are you? I’ve asked the chefs to make you some pumpkin soup; it’s your favorite.” Tiffany wondered if Thalia feared she’d run away in anger. Tiffany laughed. When willful and ignorant, she had often run away, usually after disagreements with her family about Kenneth. Now, she found it silly.

Tiffany replied, “Mom, don’t worry. I’m at Uncle Owen’s new restaurant. Dad will come here too.”

“Oh, right. I forgot. Your father told me yesterday. I have such a poor memory,” Thalia sighed. “Have fun then. I’ll wait for you to come home.”

“Okay,” Tiffany smiled.

After hanging up, she kicked at the sand, feeling carefree. However, she heard familiar laughter and voices behind her.

One girl said, “Heard the news about the movie queen’s comeback? Rumor has it she slept with a director and a young star to get roles. Tsk.”

Another said, “But hey, if I had Abbie’s looks, I’d sleep with as many men as possible!”

The girls chatted and laughed, sitting on the swings near Tiffany. One added, “Tiffany from your class is close to Abbie; birds of a feather.”

Another said, “Since Abbie sleeps around, I bet Tiffany’s no better! I heard she pestered Mr. Harper and is now trying to hook up with Mr. Hampton. Shameless!”

They continued their gossip.

Tiffany, unexpectedly hearing this gossip, chose to confront them. She leaned over and smiled, “You should know that when you badmouth others behind their backs, the person involved might hear you.”

A girl waved her hand dismissively. “So what? I can badmouth her! Even if she’s here!”

“Is that so?” Tiffany smiled brighter.

Seeing Tiffany, some girls recognized her. Their expressions changed; they trembled and retreated. Only one girl, not looking up, said, “Why are you winking at me? Why are you all so startled?”

Someone reminded her, “Look up. That’s… that’s Tiffany.”

The girl looked up, saw Tiffany’s face, screamed, and fell from the swing, landing in the sand.

Tiffany raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Am I that scary?”

The girls trembled. Tiffany knew most people in Lovell City avoided her, especially after she'd rushed into the boys' dormitory. Rumors about her intensified.

Tiffany pulled the girl up with concern. “Get up. Do you enjoy staying in the sand? Are you stupid?”

The girls were speechless. They were surprised Tiffany, instead of retaliating, helped them. This showed she wasn't as terrifying as the rumors suggested. But Tiffany had already mocked them.

A timid girl apologized, “I’m sorry; we won’t gossip again…”