Chapter 415
Even Owen couldn't figure out Tiffany's plan. Before he could intervene, she snapped her fingers, and the troublemakers were bound. Things were escalating rapidly.
Anxious, Owen urged quietly, "Tiffany, I'll handle this. Please release them. We need to get the man on the floor to the hospital immediately. Any further delay could have been fatal." Tiffany smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry; leave it to me." She produced a needle.
A sharp-eyed customer chuckled. "What's the needle for? Embroidery?" Laughter erupted.
Even the bound troublemakers scoffed. "Think you can pull off some tricks? Do you know who we are?"
Tiffany smiled knowingly. "Oh? Just a few lapdogs sent by Morwen Xanthus." She exposed their identities.
The Azure Sea Royal Family was renowned for its rare medicinal herbs and expertise in their use. The man on the ground, foaming at the mouth and convulsing, appeared to have stopped breathing. Even if an ambulance arrived, doctors would likely declare him dead from food poisoning, deeming resuscitation futile.
It was a ruthless plan: using a potential manslaughter charge to bring down Maximus Restaurant. It relied on Owen's reluctance to see his hard work ruined, assuming he would compromise under pressure. However, the unconscious man was faking it.
Unfazed by the jeers, Tiffany waved the needle. She crouched beside the feigning man, her smile meaningful. "Stay still; I won't hold back." The needle descended.
The man remained motionless. His bound companions broke into a cold sweat, staring at Tiffany as if she were insane. "You're going to stab him! You can't desecrate a corpse!" one exclaimed.
Other diners protested. "Someone's collapsed, and instead of going to the hospital, you're stalling? That's irresponsible!"
"Exactly! That girl doesn't know what she's doing! Mr. Hughes, how can you let her act recklessly?"
Owen felt overwhelmed but gritted his teeth, waiting. He suspected Tiffany had a plan.
Others shook their heads, one murmuring, "Let's make a bet. Let's see if Miss Kelley can save someone with a needle." Then, changing tone, "Anyway, I don't believe it. Do you?"
Laughter erupted. They considered her a mere trophy dependent on men, her previous image being that of a lovesick woman chasing after them. Even her recent change in behavior, aside from her striking beauty, hadn't earned her respect without Richard's influence.
The crowd shook their heads, believing her fearless confidence stemmed from Richard's support. Regardless of their opinion, Tiffany administered a second needle.
This time, instead of the shoulder, she targeted the top of his head. The long needle pierced downward. Several onlookers shuddered, as if feeling the needle themselves. The bound men's expressions changed – a few more needles, and the charade would be impossible to maintain! They wanted to intervene, but Tiffany moved swiftly, inserting two more needles simultaneously.
"Ah!" The man on the ground sat up, his jaw trembling. He was disoriented, believing his companion had woken him. Grogily, he asked, "Is it done? Did Owen sign the papers?" No one answered.
He slowly opened his eyes, seeing Tiffany's ethereal face. Her brows were like ink strokes, her eyes clear springs. She exuded a lazy elegance. He was momentarily stunned. She smiled gently. "Are you alright? Wonderful if so."
"I'm fine. With my physique… I fell on purpose; I hope I didn't scare you." He wanted to make a good impression, believing his convulsions looked disgusting.
Only after speaking did he realize something was wrong. He saw his bound companions and the shocked onlookers. He jolted awake. Tiffany smiled ambiguously. "Then let's tally the restaurant damage and fraud, shall we?"
Desperately, he asked, "Can I lie back down now?"
Tiffany stood, her gaze condescending. "What do you think?" The risk was gone.
Returning to Owen, she said, "List all the damages. Don't hold back. The mastermind has plenty of money."
Owen, dazed, was snapped back to reality. Disbelieving, he asked, "Tiffany, how did you do that?"
Tiffany shrugged innocently. "He just can't act."
To avoid suspicion, she didn't mention that in a simulated death, randomly placed needles wouldn't be felt. Her needles targeted specific areas on his head – a technique others wouldn't recognize.