Chapter 388

Richard's public proposal made headlines, causing a stir in the major news media. Their delayed notification angered them. The news spread rapidly online, sparking widespread speculation about the proposal's sincerity.

Richard could manage public perception, but the engagement needed to be formally scheduled. Tiffany's reluctance to marry so soon meant they would proceed with an engagement ceremony—a formality of equal importance. Richard intended to publicly declare Tiffany his. He delegated the date selection to the Kelley couple, handling all other arrangements himself.

Charlie grumbled, expressing his reluctance, while Thalia readily agreed. After verifying a suitable date, the engagement was set for the first of the following month—neither too soon nor too late, with twenty days remaining. Richard happily concurred.

Tiffany, listening, realized they had decided without consulting her. However, she didn't object.

By the time the discussion concluded, it was late. Tired from her recent illness, Thalia excused herself. "I'm going to bed. Tiffany, take Richard upstairs. Eric, get to bed." Eric obediently nodded and left. Charlie accompanied Thalia to their room. The servants had already departed.

Tiffany and Richard remained alone in the spacious living room, bathed in the chandelier's light. Their shadows intertwined on the floor, creating an intimate scene. Tiffany yawned and pulled Richard upstairs by his tie. "Let's go." Her carefree demeanor resembled a bandit chieftain escorting her captive.

Richard, in a good mood, indulged her. He entertained the thought of her forcing herself on him, but it proved unnecessary. Upon reaching the guest room, Tiffany released his tie and left, smiling mischievously. "Good night, dear fiancé!" she said before quickly retreating to her room.

Chapter 388

Richard, reflecting on the evening, found himself aroused. He mused, "Around that sly girl, I lose all restraint. I'm easily bewitched and seduced. Damn it!" He shook his head and entered the guest room.

The next morning, Tiffany, after washing up, found Richard knocking on her door. She smiled sweetly. "Good morning!"

Richard leaned in, whispering, "Actually, I'd prefer you said that when you woke up."

Tiffany silently cursed his suggestive comment. She glared, her face flushed, whispering, "That will happen sooner or later"

"So I'm waiting," Richard replied, kissing her forehead. "Good morning, Mrs. Hampton." His husky morning voice was undeniably attractive.

Tiffany was about to respond when she noticed Eric leaving his room. She stepped back, feigning nonchalance. "Aren't you going to the company? Let's go together. I have to go to school after breakfast."

Knowing her shyness, Richard ceased his teasing. They walked to the car together, followed by a sleepy Eric.

After breakfast, Richard left for work. Tiffany and Eric went to their respective schools.

Yesterday's proposal created a sensation. At school, Tiffany instantly became the center of attention, a group of girls whispering behind her.

One said, "I didn't expect Tiffany to hook up with Mr. Hampton! No wonder she dumped Mr. Harper so easily!"

Another commented, "What a vixen! First, Mr. Harper, then his uncle. Unbelievable!"

Another chimed in, "What does Mr. Hampton see in her? Her surgically enhanced face? Seriously, many women are better. Why is he obsessed?"

Finally, one girl said, "If I'd known Mr. Hampton was so easy, I would have acted sooner. Tiffany wouldn't have had a chance!"

The group displayed intense jealousy.

Tiffany calmly returned to class, seemingly unaffected by their comments, but the students' subtle glances indicated continued envy.

Only Zoe, overjoyed, rushed to hug Tiffany. "Tiffany! I saw the news! I'm so happy! I'm so envious!"

Tiffany, suddenly thinking of Sidney, teased, "Sidney's single. Why not see if you have a chance?"

Zoe, taken aback, quickly waved her hand. "Forget it. He's not attractive to me. Besides" she scratched her head, "I know my limits."

She admitted a lack of interest in Sidney, and acknowledged the vast difference in their social standing. She believed any romantic involvement was unrealistic.

After Zoe finished, she casually added, "Let's not talk about him. Tiffany, Mr. Hampton proposed. When's the wedding?"

Tiffany laughed. "I'll think about that after two years." She had other priorities.

Zoe nodded supportively. "That's good. It won't be too late!"

Giana, however, interjected sarcastically, "Not too late? Tiffany, when a man's interested, hold onto him! Otherwise, he might lose interest and not marry you!"

Since her ejection from the hotel, Giana had been relentlessly attacking Tiffany, her missing front tooth adding to her comical appearance. Her anger fueled her criticisms.

Zoe immediately retorted, "You're right. I heard your boyfriend dumped you last month because he lost interest. Find the reason in yourself. Look at your hideous face! Your ex-boyfriend was kind to spend three months with you!"

Giana glared, "Don't call me hideous! I'm better than a follower like you! You stand up for Tiffany to please her!"

Zoe smiled and nodded, "Yes, I'm willing to please Tiffany. I'm willing to risk my life for her. I'm willing!"

Giana, usually a skilled arguer, found herself repeatedly defeated by Tiffany and Zoe, much to her frustration.