Chapter 396

Riley had purchased a potent drug but never used it. He'd heard it was highly effective. Seeing Tiffany, a plan formed: he wanted to drug her and see what Richard's woman tasted like. He intercepted a servant, personally delivering the drugged juice. His plan was foolproof; a drugged Tiffany, he believed, would submit to him. If questioned, he'd claim seduction. However, Tiffany was prepared and strong, fighting back. Riley, overcome with regret, vomited violently, the blood flow increasing with each attempt. Nausea overwhelmed him, his consciousness blurring. Feeling deathly ill, he lost control, desperately clawing at Tiffany, muttering, "Baby, help me…"

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Tiffany kicked him and started to leave.

But Riley, now crazed, relentlessly pursued her. Hank and Richard, emerging from the study, witnessed the scene in the garden.

Hank was stunned. Even disliking Tiffany, this public display of his grandson's depravity was a humiliation to him and the Hampton family – a scandalous disgrace! Hank worried about the family's reputation. Richard, however, erupted in furious rage, his eyes blazing.

In the garden, Riley was thrashing again. As Tiffany prepared to defend herself, Richard intervened, swiftly knocking Riley to the ground. Richard's attack was brutal, leaving Riley's face unrecognizable and likely with broken bones. Still enraged, Richard kicked him into the lake.

The cold water brought some clarity. Panicked, Riley sputtered, "Help! Help me!" He thrashed, choking in the water. Hank, nearly fainting from rage, watched.

A servant rushed to help, but Richard, his aura murderous, commanded, "Nobody moves."

No one dared disobey. Riley's struggle attracted the attention of the house.

Carter, Riley's father and Hank's fourth son, saw the scene and roared at the servants, "What are you doing? Save him!"

But no one moved; Richard's authority was absolute. Desperately struggling, Riley saw his father and cried, "Dad, save me! I can't…"

The lake was deep. Riley knew how to swim, but his injuries prevented any effective movement. He sank.

Seeing his son drowning, Carter grabbed a pole from a servant, but it was too short. He jumped in. He eventually pulled Riley out, but the drowning man, frantic, clung to his father's neck, even stepping on his back for air. Both father and son sank again.

Hank approached Richard, "I'll apologize to the Kelley family, but they're your brother and nephew. Let them go."

"Only their deaths will bring peace," Richard laughed cruelly, his handsome face grim. This, he felt, was the utmost mercy, considering Tiffany hadn't been harmed; otherwise, he would have killed Riley.

Hank sighed, knowing his son's merciless nature. Richard was unforgiving when his limits were crossed.

As the water calmed, Hank pleaded with Tiffany, hoping she could persuade Richard.

Tiffany, who'd only intended to teach Riley a lesson with the drugged drink (to which she was immune), was surprised by the turn of events. Richard's fierce intervention shocked her.

Tiffany whispered to Richard, "I'm fine. Let them go. This will damage your reputation. We have other ways to deal with them."

Richard's actions had already damaged his image; the public saw him as a ruthless tyrant. Tiffany, heartbroken by such perceptions, knew him to be a good man.

Richard, seeing her worry, softened. "Okay, I'll listen to you."

Servants immediately rescued Carter and Riley, who were near death. They lived but learned a brutal lesson.

The banquet ruined, Richard left with Tiffany, ignoring Hank's calls. In the car, Tiffany began to explain, but she was soon in his arms.

He said softly, "I'm happy."

07:09 Thu, Nov 7.