Chapter 394

Hank spoke in a high-handed tone, as if giving orders. Tiffany smiled faintly. "I do. Of course, I do."

Hank believed she was unworthy of Richard and unfit to be hostess of the Hampton family. He expected her to recognize her place and leave.

Her obedience pleased him. His brow relaxed. "If that's the case, then"

He was interrupted before he could finish dismissing her. "But I didn't say I was going to agree," Tiffany retorted.

Hank was stunned, his face darkening. "What did you say?"

Tiffany replied calmly, "What makes you think your order influences my decision?"

Despite her polite demeanor, Hank found her defiance infuriating. He nearly exploded. "How dare you!"

He slammed his hand on the table, rattling the coffee mugs. The servants and butler, Don, trembled. A heavy, oppressive atmosphere filled the luxurious hall. Kenneth's heart leaped. He nervously watched Tiffany, fearing she would further offend Hank. Quickly, he interjected, "Grandpa, didn't you want to go fishing? Shall I accompany you?"

"Shut up!" Hank's rage turned on Kenneth. "She was your fiancée! Even you abandoned her. How can she be worthy of my son? A woman like her can't marry into my family!"

Before Hank finished, Richard's chilling voice cut through the air. "That's none of your business."

Richard's tall figure entered the courtyard, silhouetted against the light. His brow was furrowed, his handsome face grim, his eyes blazing with anger. Ignoring Hank, he went straight to Tiffany. "Are you hurt?" he asked, frowning.

Tiffany shook her head. "No." She knew Hank wouldn't actually harm her. After a pause, she admitted, "I angered Mr. Hank Harper."

"I see," Richard replied unconcernedly. "That's fine."

This infuriated Hank even further. "Bastard! Do you think so little of me?" He slammed the table again, making it shake.

Richard shielded Tiffany. "You should be happy I'm getting married," he said indifferently. "And don't be so fierce. Can't you see my wife is frightened by you?"

Hank was speechless with rage. He looked at Tiffany, who blinked calmly and innocently. If she'd been truly frightened, she would have cried at his earlier pronouncements. His fury mounted. "Richard, are you serious?" he demanded.

"Of course," Richard replied.

"But you know the Azure Sea Royal Family…" Hank began.

"Enough," Richard interrupted, his voice hardening. "I don't care about your plans, and you have no right to interfere in mine. I'll let this go, but it won't happen again." He turned to leave with Tiffany.

Kenneth watched, bitterness welling up within him. He had ignored Tiffany's suffering, leaving her helpless. Richard, however, doted on her fiercely, even defying Hank for her. Compared to Richard, Kenneth realized he was a terrible person. He smiled bitterly, a lump forming in his throat.

At that moment, Hank collapsed from his chair with a thud, apparently fainting from rage. Don rushed forward. "Mr. Hank Hampton!"

Kenneth snapped to attention and went to check on Hank. "Grandpa!"

Tiffany stepped forward, stopping Don's approach. "You all back off; you're crowding him!" She knelt, taking Hank's pulse.

Don, anxious, tried to shoo her away. "Miss Kelley, please don't interfere. Leave now!" Richard's icy glare silenced him. "Get lost," he commanded. Don broke into a cold sweat. He’d almost forgotten Tiffany's status: Richard's fiancée and future Hampton family hostess.

He dared not stop her, hoping the family doctor would arrive quickly. Tiffany's actions, however, proved unexpectedly effective. After a few pinches to Hank's philtrum, he coughed violently and woke up.

"Mr. Hank Hampton, are you alright?" Don exclaimed, astonished.

"You're getting on in years. Don't get so angry; it hurts your liver," Tiffany advised, before turning to Richard. "Let's go."

They started to leave, but Hank sighed, seemingly resigned. "It's the family banquet. Stay for dinner, Richard. You haven't been back in a long time."

Richard paused, looking at Tiffany for her opinion. She nodded, smiling. "I've heard the Hampton Manor chefs are excellent. I'd like to try their cooking."

Hank looked at her again, appreciating her tactful approach. Tiffany and Richard remained.

The family banquet began, drawing other family members, including Felicia and numerous Hampton grandchildren. The quiet manor became lively. Tiffany, as the outsider, felt many eyes upon her, particularly from Riley Hampton, the family's unruly grandson.