Chapter 398

"What did you mean by 'substitute'?"

Wendy flipped her hair, smiling provocatively. "Oh, you still don't know? Then beg me, and I'll tell you."

Tiffany spun around, grabbing Wendy's neck and pressing her against the wall. "My patience is running out. Shut up, or tell me."

"You let go of me" Wendy whimpered.

Tiffany's eyes were cold and sharp, blazing like those of an enraged leopard ready to strike.

Wendy struggled briefly before surrendering. "Don't you know? Or are you playing dumb? The Saintess of the Azure Sea Royal Family is coming. Everyone knows! Didn't you hear?"

Tiffany frowned. "Continue."

"It seems you really have no idea. The Saintess is coming to marry Richard, promised by Hank! She's practically a princess! Only someone of her noble status deserves Richard. And you? Who do you think you are? You're just a placeholder!" Wendy's chin lifted in a gloating smile. "I don't envy you; I pity you, Tiffany. You're pathetic." She'd overheard Hank mentioning the Azure Sea Royal Family at Hampton Manor; there was a secret behind it all. Indeed, only the Saintess possessed the wealth and background to match Richard's.

Tiffany lowered her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips. The joy and sweetness in her heart had vanished. Releasing Wendy, she said softly, "Get lost."

Wendy sneered, stepping back. "Idiot! You'll be crying soon. I'll be watching you make a fool of yourself!" She sashayed away in her high heels.

Tiffany washed her hands, drying them with a tissue before returning to the dining room where Richard waited patiently. His eyes lit up upon seeing her. "Done?" he teased.

"Yes, let's go," Tiffany replied, turning to leave. A hand tightened around her waist. She looked down to see Richard's fingers tucked into the waistband of her dress.

Tiffany smiled. "Thank you."

Richard ruffled her hair and took her hand. His large palm was rough, yet comforting. They left the restaurant hand in hand.

Not far away, Wendy watched, jealousy twisting her features. The tablecloth crumpled under her grip. "Just wait. You'll be dumped soon."

A luxury car pulled to a stop. Tiffany smiled serenely. "Let's go."

As she stepped out, a strong hand pulled her back.

Thursday, November 7 Chapter 398

Richard frowned, noticing the shadow clouding her face. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"No," Tiffany said, meeting his gaze. "Just uncomfortable." Her period was approaching, bringing physical and emotional discomfort.

Richard gently stroked her hair. "Have a good night."

"Yeah," she murmured, nodding.

"Half a month left," he added.

"Ah?" Tiffany blinked, realizing he meant their engagement.

"Leave everything to me," Richard said, leaning in to kiss her forehead. His voice, magnetic and pleasant, was filled with anticipation and joy. Half a month felt like an eternity; each second was torture. He longed to fast-forward time.

Tiffany smiled and nodded. "Okay." She exited the car and walked into her villa without looking back.

Richard's eyes darkened, his brow furrowing slightly as he watched her go.

John asked tentatively, "Mr. Hampton, is something wrong?"

"It's nothing. Let's go," Richard said, his voice cold. "To the manor."

"Yes, sir," John replied. After a pause, he ventured, "Mr. Hampton, the Saintess from the Azure Sea Royal Family is arriving. What are your plans?"

A sharp look silenced John. He broke into a cold sweat. "I'm sorry, Mr. Hampton."

Richard leaned back, tapping his fingers on the armrest. Finally, he spoke, his voice a chilling whisper, "Send her back where she came from."

Tiffany hurried upstairs, her stomach aching intensely. After showering, she collapsed onto the bed. Wendy's taunts echoed in her mind.

Just as she was about to turn over, she heard a noise at the window. Assuming it was Richard, she ignored it. He often entered her room this way, and the window remained unlocked.

Moments later, there was a thud. Tiffany glanced over, her face registering shock. "Jeremy? You why are you here?"

She sat up. "Are you leaving again? How long this time? Remember to take the pills I gave you. Be careful."

Jeremy stared at her. "I'm here to say goodbye."

"You're leaving?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Yes."

"Are you coming back?"

"No."

Tiffany lowered her eyes. Whatever her initial reasons for keeping Jeremy, they had shared a long time; he was more than a security guard; he was a partner, a friend. His departure held no reluctance. It seemed he'd simply been repaying her for saving his life; now they were even.

She had no reason to keep him. Tiffany laughed, lifting her head. "Since we won't meet again, may I see your face? Lord Cooper? Let me see your true face?" A sly smile played on her lips. Jeremy hesitated, then slowly raised his hand.