Chapter 390

Tiffany disregarded the off-campus rumors, but the school's public posts used real names. Even anonymous accounts could be traced. Furthermore, this morning's post was incredibly specific, making dismissal impossible. She couldn't simply claim the law couldn't punish the masses.

After Tiffany finished speaking, the other students in the principal's office erupted in anger. "We only said something about you! You can't control us!" one shouted. Another added, "It's nothing serious! You're overreacting!"

Zoe fumed, incredulous at their callousness. The dozens of pixelated photos clearly identified Tiffany as the "unsightly woman," and the accompanying obscenities were horrific. Now that they were being confronted, they were downplaying it? Tiffany's reputation was at stake. What if it were another vulnerable girl? Their lives could be ruined.

"Of course, they're accountable!" Zoe scoffed. "We're adults. Everyone must take responsibility for their actions!"

Giana, enraged, retorted, "It's none of your business! You have no right to punish us, and that post isn't about me! You can't detain me!" She tried to leave, but the bodyguards blocked her.

Mr. Farrell, troubled by the involvement of influential students, hesitated. He couldn't afford to offend anyone, especially not Tiffany. He attempted mediation: "I'll have the post removed and identify the anonymous poster, who will then issue a public apology. Is that acceptable?"

Tiffany replied flatly, "No." She certainly wasn't a pushover.

Mr. Farrell frowned, weighing his options. Then, several expensively dressed women stormed in, their faces fierce.

"Who dares to hurt my son?!" they shrieked.

The scene descended into further chaos. After examining their sons' wrists—finding red marks—the women erupted, pointing at Tiffany. "So what if my son scolded you? Dare you hurt him?" one raged. Another sneered, "You sleep around, but no one can say anything?"

One woman declared, "Let's go! No one can stop us!" They swept out, their sons in tow, leaving the other students to follow. Giana gloated, smirking at Tiffany. Zoe was furious at their brazenness.

The departing group exuded triumphant smugness. The women continued their tirade, Mrs. Worley declaring, "Who does she think she is? How dare she bully the Worley family!"

Their gloating was cut short by Richard's cold voice: "The Worley family? I'll remember that."

Heads turned. As Richard approached, their expressions changed. His imposing presence commanded attention. The girls, including Giana, blushed, momentarily captivated. However, Richard's dark, intimidating gaze quickly sobered them.

Fear flickered across the rich women's faces. Mrs. Worley, her face pale, hastily backpedaled, "Mr. Hampton, I was just joking. Please don't take it seriously."

Richard's half-smile was chilling. "I'm serious."

Mrs. Worley panicked. "Mr. Hampton! They're just kids. You mustn't take it to heart."

"Just kids? Then why your aggressive intervention?" Richard countered.

"I I didn't want my son bullied," she stammered.

Richard's cold smile returned. "What a coincidence. I can't bear to see the apple of my eye bullied by you. Consider the consequences."

Stunned silence followed, laced with envy and jealousy at his devotion.

Mrs. Worley retreated, pleading, "Mr. Hampton, I'm sorry! I shouldn't have slandered Mrs. Hampton!"

Richard remained impassive, heading toward the principal's office. Tiffany, having overheard the commotion, emerged just as Richard arrived. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she rushed to him.

"Richard, you're here!"

"Call me honey," he replied, his voice deep and captivating.

Tiffany blushed. "I can't, there are people around"

"Hmm? Then how about when we're alone tonight?" Richard teased.

Tiffany, playfully defiant, replied, "Okay!" Her eyes sparkled with mischief.