Chapter 384
Kenneth hurried over, witnessing the unfolding scene. Beneath a sky filled with floating hot-air balloons, countless bubbles reflected a fantastical glow. In this almost surreal, romantic setting, Tiffany, holding a large bouquet, beamed with unrivaled brightness. In her clear gaze, only one person's reflection was visible: Richard. Elegant and handsome beyond compare, he exuded a calm yet gentle aura. Tiffany was breathtaking; her beauty was unparalleled. Every smile, every gesture was filled with grace. No one could be a better match for them.
Kenneth froze. The countless scenarios he'd imagined on his way here vanished instantly. He thought, "What right did I have to stand by her side again? Once lost, it's lost forever!" His youthful recklessness and lack of appreciation led to deep regret once he realized his true feelings. June had been right; he had only himself to blame.
Kenneth lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly. Tiffany hadn't noticed him. Her mind and heart were entirely focused on Richard. She found herself liking him even more. Tiffany's face flushed. For a brief moment, she even felt an impulse to tiptoe and kiss Richard, but just as she considered it, she heard a cough nearby.
Charlie was beside himself with anger. He'd been coughing for ages, his lungs nearly bursting, but the two love-struck souls remained oblivious, locked in their own world, ignoring him completely. Only then did Tiffany remember her father, turning around abruptly with a mixture of embarrassment and panic, like a child caught in the act.
"Dad…" she whispered. Compared to being caught in a forbidden romance, her situation seemed far more serious. After all, she had accepted Richard's proposal in front of an audience, leaving no room for second thoughts—a private commitment made right under her father's watchful eyes.
Tiffany shrank back slightly. Seeing her reaction, Charlie grew even more frustrated, huffing and glaring, but he couldn't bring himself to stay mad. Wiping his tears, a bittersweet sense of resignation washed over him.
"After eighteen years of careful nurturing," Charlie said, "she's just been snatched away by someone completely undeserving…"
Tiffany, also taken aback, rushed to cover her father's mouth. "Dad, stop it." If he kept going, she feared he'd start comparing Richard to every type of wild boar imaginable.
Charlie only became more distraught. "Ungrateful girl… I raised you with such care, watching you grow up, and the moment I turn my back, you're whisked away…"
"Dad, that's not true," Tiffany laughed helplessly. "I'm still here with you, and besides, I'm still in school; I won't be getting married so soon…" Her voice trailed off.
Noticing her discomfort, Richard stepped forward and addressed Charlie. "Sir, you can rest assured that Tiffany is safe with me. I will cherish and protect her just as much as you have, if not more." Richard's voice was calm and sincere, each word filled with resolve, spoken from the heart.
Charlie sighed. "Alright, I hope you will keep your word." As someone who'd been around, Charlie could tell that Richard, known for his influence, genuinely cared for his daughter. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen such a public setting for his proposal. His intention was clear: to dispel rumors surrounding Tiffany and protect her from public scrutiny, especially as her background would inevitably come to light—the events of today's engagement banquet were proof enough. Richard chose this high-profile proposal to send a clear message: his wife was off-limits.
Though there was a bittersweet feeling as a father, watching his daughter find the one she loved brought more relief and happiness than anything else. He knew there would come a time when he couldn't always protect her, but with Richard by her side, he could finally be at ease.
Charlie suddenly recalled how Richard had once taken over a renovation project, ostensibly to help him out—a favor to Charlie. And despite their similar social standing, Richard had treated him with the utmost respect at their first dinner. Charlie thought, 'Dropping a level in seniority, huh—so that's what he was planning.'
Charlie huffed in frustration, realizing he'd mistaken Richard's intentions, thinking it was due to his own reputation and business acumen that Richard sought his friendship. He didn't expect it was all part of Richard's plan to win Tiffany. The supposedly composed and reserved Richard was, in reality, a sly schemer with a mind as sharp as a fox.
Charlie shot him a disapproving look that nearly shocked the nearby guests. They thought, "This old man must have a death wish! Just because Mr. Hampton seems interested in his daughter, he actually thinks he's someone important. What's he showing off for? And he dares to glare at Mr. Hampton? If he angers Mr. Hampton, the entire Lovell City might just feel the consequences." Though young, Richard was known for his ruthless tactics.
Years ago, a prominent family conspired with Richard's uncle to assassinate him. Not only did they fail, but by the next morning, the entire family had vanished without a trace, as though erased from existence. At the time, Richard had only been twenty. Now, five years later, he had become somewhat restrained, but no one would dare provoke him. Everyone held their breath, silently praying for Charlie.
Yet, Richard merely offered a slight smile, his deep eyes calm, his mood unchanged, showing no hint of anger. Everyone was dumbfounded. It seemed that from now on, the Kelley family would join the ranks of the untouchables—after all, he was Richard's father-in-law.
Seeing that Richard would soon become official family, Eric's eyes lit up with excitement. "Great! Now I won't have to secretly contact Richard anymore."
Charlie's ears perked up immediately. "What? You little brat, already learning to play spy?"
Eric darted behind Tiffany, then pointed at the floating hot-air balloons. "Tiffany, I want to ride one of those too." He spoke with awe, his eyes filled with envy.
Tiffany blinked and replied, "To be honest, I do too."
As soon as Tiffany expressed her wish, Richard made arrangements without delay. However, he left Eric with John, taking Tiffany on a separate hot-air balloon. Charlie didn't object, letting them go. As the balloon floated away, the engagement banquet carried on as planned.