Chapter 411
Tiffany entered Lovell School's third-floor cafeteria and saw Zoe standing, waving. She joined Zoe; their meal was already served. It was, after all, an elite school with a multi-floor cafeteria, each floor offering varying levels of service. For a small extra fee, students enjoyed restaurant-quality food and service. Tiffany sat, eyeing the exquisite dishes. Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "Are you treating me?"
"Absolutely!" Zoe replied enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling. "Tiffany, I got my paycheck! That relative of yours is incredibly generous; they gave me even more than promised." Tiffany smiled and quietly deleted the transfer record. "That means you've been doing a great job."
Zoe managed the charity fund Tiffany had established under her relative's name. She meticulously tracked every expense, ensuring accuracy. Beyond accounting, Zoe also handled purchasing— seemingly minor tasks that proved cumbersome in practice, yet contributed significantly to her overall success.
Tiffany picked up her fork. "Then I won't stand on ceremony." Zoe giggled, looking pleased.
After lunch, Tiffany skipped her business negotiations class, planning to visit the library. However, June called. "What's up, June?" "Miss Kelley, bad news. Someone's trying to buy out your father's company," June said gravely. "The opposing party has significant backing and has rapidly acquired shares from major shareholders. This is unfavorable for the Kelley family."
"I understand," Tiffany replied, hanging up. She left school and went straight home.
When Charlie started his company, he began with nothing. He had several partners, including Owen, and other shareholders with smaller stakes. These shareholders rarely interfered, only appearing for annual dividend distributions. After over a decade, Charlie maintained strong relationships with them, regularly socializing.
On her way home, Tiffany pondered the situation. Why the sudden, unannounced sale? What had the opposing party offered to tempt them to disregard their long-standing relationships?
Returning home, Tiffany found her father looking troubled in the spacious living room, Thalia massaging his shoulders. Tiffany turned to David. "David, wait for Eric at the school gate after classes. Don't leave his side." Eric had previously been kidnapped at the school gate by Selena, a near-disaster. While the opposing party's intentions remained unclear, caution was warranted. David nodded solemnly. "You can rest assured, Miss Kelley. I will ensure Mr. Kelley's safety."
Tiffany entered the villa. "Dad, Mom…"
"Oh, Tiffany, why are you back?" Charlie was surprised. "Did someone say something? Good deeds don't make headlines, but scandals spread like wildfire!" He was frustrated; several friends among his shareholders had betrayed him, and he'd been the last to know. Rumors spread quickly, claiming his CEO position was unstable and a mysterious figure with a substantial stake could oust him.
Tiffany patted his chest soothingly. "Dad, don't worry. We still have Owen's shares, right?" She was confident Owen wouldn't betray him. Charlie nodded. "Owen's always been loyal; he wouldn't do this. What worries me…"
"What are you worried about?" Tiffany asked.
"Owen's Maximus restaurant just opened. What if they target the restaurant? What if they resort to unscrupulous means?" Charlie worried. Tiffany narrowed her eyes. If Owen sold his shares, Charlie's fifty percent stake would only equal the opposing party's, preventing absolute control. "Dad, don't worry. I'll send someone to watch Owen's restaurant. If anyone causes trouble, they'll be dealt with thoroughly!"
Charlie chuckled, recalling the restaurant's opening day when thugs tried to extort money by tampering with the food. Tiffany had swiftly resolved that situation. He teased, "When did my sweet little girl become so fierce? But… you're getting engaged soon. I don't want this to affect your mood." Tiffany raised an eyebrow, unfazed.
A servant rushed in. "Mr. Kelley, a convoy of vehicles is approaching the villa. We're unsure of their purpose."
"Oh?" Charlie looked outside.
An impressive convoy of Rolls-Royces, flanked by bodyguards, arrived. Tiffany recognized the central Rolls-Royce from the library.
The villa gates opened. A gorgeous woman, exuding an air of aloofness, emerged from the lead car. Tiffany sensed the woman's gaze—curiosity, scrutiny, and apprehension. 'Is she afraid of me?' Tiffany mused, smiling.
A maid approached Charlie condescendingly. "Mr. Kelley, this is the Saintess of the Azure Sea Royal Family. She's here to visit. We apologize for not informing you sooner. We hope you won't take offense." Her condescending tone and disdainful expression angered Tiffany. Tiffany was ready to confront her.