Chapter 395

Riley, Hank's eldest grandson, was only three years younger than Richard, yet Richard's seniority demanded that Riley call him "Uncle." Tiffany, unfamiliar with the Hampton family's dynamics, knew only that Riley was notoriously scandalous, possessing despicable character and questionable morals. She had always disliked him.

However, upon meeting her gaze, Riley, mistaking his energy and distant wink for charm, became animated. Tiffany, though, merely found him laughable; she considered him too young and unsophisticated, someone who had clearly never faced serious consequences. Richard, luckily summoned to the study by Hank, was spared the impulse to physically assault Riley.

Early in the evening, with dinner still some time away, Tiffany, restless and wishing to avoid the family, wandered the backyard. Don, now deferential, had two servants discreetly follow her.

One servant, noticing Tiffany's lack of interest, suggested, "Miss Kelley, allow me to show you the back gardens. The views there are unparalleled." "I'd like that," Tiffany replied, and the two servants escorted her.

The location proved to be the mansion's focal point: a scenic lake dotted with water lilies, bordered by white stone railings, and featuring an elegant pavilion. The scenery was breathtaking.

Tiffany settled in the lake pavilion, idly manipulating the chess pieces on the stone table. Without looking up, she dismissed the servants: "Don't worry about me. Return to your duties." One servant inquired, "Are you thirsty, Miss Kelley? Shall I fetch you a drink?" "Yes, please," Tiffany replied.

Once alone, with only the wind and birdsong for company, Tiffany prepared to play a game of solitaire. Light footsteps approached. Assuming it was a servant, she casually said, "Put it there," but the footsteps continued, drawing nearer.

Turning, she saw Kenneth. 'Ugh,' she thought, 'Now I can't play.' She tossed the chess pieces aside, having no desire to remain.

Kenneth stopped her, his expression shifting. Finally, he said, "Tiffany, I'm sorry."

Tiffany was stunned. 'Does the sun rise in the west now?' she mused. 'Mr. Harper, who is always right, is apologizing? I'm truly flattered.'

Going straight to the point, she asked, "Kenneth, what do you want?"

"I just wanted to apologize," he replied.

Speechless, Tiffany wondered at his change of heart. Vigilantly, she suspected revenge, given the ruined engagement party a few days prior. Melody's allergic reaction, supposedly caused by Tiffany, had been a public spectacle, and Kenneth's past behavior suggested retribution was likely.

"Just tell me what's on your mind. No beating around the bush," Tiffany stated.

Kenneth stammered, "I" He laughed at himself, recognizing that he appeared as a stereotypical, easily manipulated scoundrel in her eyes. His past actions made his apology unconvincing.

"I mean nothing else. I simply want to apologize," Kenneth insisted, his gaze intense. After a pause, he added, "I hope you'll be happier than me."

Tiffany was speechless. By the time she recovered, Kenneth was gone, his form swallowed by the shadows. His soft words were lost to the wind.

Tiffany blinked, wondering if she’d hallucinated, until the events replayed in her mind. Kenneth seemed transformed. His abrupt engagement cancellation and now this repeated apology left her questioning if something had provoked him.

Shaking her head, Tiffany sat on the stone bench, no longer in the mood for chess.

Shortly after Kenneth's departure, Riley, the Hampton's eldest grandson, arrived with a tray bearing a glass of orange juice.

With a faint smile, Tiffany remarked, "I instructed the servants to bring this. Why trouble yourself, Mr. Riley Hampton?"

"My honor to serve you, beautiful lady," Riley replied, pushing the juice closer. "Care to try it?" he asked, inching closer. His intentions were clearly inappropriate.

Disgusted, Tiffany stepped back. Riley's affected gentility was even more repulsive.

"Talk. No need to get so close. I'm a neat freak," she declared bluntly.

Riley's face darkened. "Pretty lady, are you calling me filthy?" he demanded.

"Wrong," Tiffany corrected. "I'm calling you filthy and hideous. If you can't accept reality, examine your reflection in the lake."

Stunned by her sharp tongue, Riley masked his anger. He reasoned, 'She's just a girl. Let her gloat. Once she drinks this juice, the medicine will take effect, and I can do as I please.'

Relieved, he affected a gentlemanly demeanor. "Pretty girl, you must be thirsty. This is freshly squeezed. Try it," he said, offering the glass.

Tiffany laughed. The juice contained a quick-acting drug; she suspected this was a common tactic for Riley.

With a faint smile, she shook the juice gently. "Seems you want it more, Mr. Riley Hampton. I'll give it to you," she said, before abruptly turning hostile. "That's not up to you!"

She kicked his knee, sending him to his knees. "What are you doing?" he yelled, struggling, until Tiffany swiftly pinched his nose, forcing him to drink more than half the glass.

"Enjoy the juice, Mr. Riley Hampton," she said, releasing him.

Riley frantically tried to induce vomiting, but it was too late.