Chapter 425

Thalia Kelley discreetly watched the grand motorcade from a corner, dabbing at her tears. Though happy, she couldn't bear to part with her daughter. It felt like a wedding, not just an engagement. Charlie Kelley, comforting her, didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "It's just an engagement, and you're already weeping! Are you going to cry nonstop at the wedding?"

His own eyes welled up. "I'll cry too if you keep this up! As a father," he admitted, "I can't bear the thought of giving my daughter away."

Thalia laughed, seeing her husband's verge of tears. She playfully punched him. "Why are you imitating me? You're not allowed to cry! How unbecoming for a strapping man like you"

"Unbecoming? So what if I'm strapping? Can't a man shed tears of heartache?" Charlie argued.

"I can't be bothered," Thalia retorted with a dismissive snort.

She left the house to greet her future son-in-law, who had just exited the car. Richard's arrival caused a brief commotion upstairs, followed by Tiffany slowly descending the stairs. Her sun-kissed skin glowed, the gown accentuating her slim waist and curves. Feathery eyelashes fluttered as she looked down.

When she looked up, her perfectly arched eyebrows framed eyes as clear as spring water—pristine, sparkling, and resplendent. Richard gazed at her in amazement. His thin lips curved into a gentle, doting smile.

In the crowd, he saw only her. It was as if they were alone in the world.

Tiffany blushed under his intense gaze, her heart pounding. She snapped out of her reverie when her styling team reminded her to watch her step. Carefully descending in her heels, she approached Richard.

She smiled radiantly, revealing flawless teeth. Her sparkling eyes resembled dancing stars. "Mr. Hampton," she murmured, "I will be counting on your guidance."

Richard's thin lips curved into a charming smile. "Mrs. Hampton," he replied, "I'll be at your mercy."

Tiffany smiled sweetly. "I will definitely show mercy," she teased, batting her eyelashes.

Leaning close, Richard whispered in her ear, "No need for mercy. Bully me however you want."

The double entendre wasn't lost on Tiffany. Only then did she realize his earlier words weren't as innocent as she'd thought. Too naive, she was no match for this "ravenous wolf"!

Blushing furiously, she glared, but her dewy eyes only made her more alluring. Nearby onlookers covered their mouths, stifling laughter.

Thalia watched, smiling. As long as her daughter was happy, it was all worthwhile. "It's getting late," she urged the couple. "Get in the car."

She hugged her daughter, then placed Tiffany's hand in Richard's. Charlie, sniffling slightly, watched Richard lift Tiffany into his arms and carry her out.

The engagement party started at 10:30 a.m. They would be on time if they left immediately. Charlie and Thalia watched the lead car depart before entering their car with their son, Eric.

Eric had initially wanted to ride with his sister, but Thalia pulled him back. "You're not allowed to be a third wheel today!" she admonished, smiling.

Understanding, Eric happily joined his parents in the following car.

Thanks to traffic diversions and road closures, the motorcade reached the hotel without incident. Luxury cars cruised down the road, bubbles floating from the sky—a beautiful dream.

Meanwhile, Scarface Lorenzo, waiting impatiently, slammed his steering wheel. They'd been waiting to carry out Felix Quaid's instructions—luring the Kelleys away. But the city's tightened security and road closures prevented them. Unfamiliar cars were barred from the restricted area.

Lorenzo rubbed his eyes. "This guy really pulled out all the stops! The security is impenetrable!" Felix had said this was their only chance to obtain the treasure box by eliminating Richard Hampton. Richard, Kenneth's uncle, wouldn't stand idly by if the Harper family was harmed.

Gritting his teeth, Lorenzo followed the motorcade. "What should we do now?" asked his henchman.

"You're asking me? If I knew, I wouldn't have a headache!" Lorenzo snapped.

Then, a glint of determination in his eyes, he growled, "We take the risk!"

"What?" the henchman asked, confused.

"The hotel! We get in, no matter what!" But the hotel was sealed off; only invited guests were allowed entry.

Lorenzo parked and scanned the surroundings. Spotting the Harpers exiting a car, he did a headcount. Turning to his henchman, he said, "The Harpers have a daughter, Alexia, right?"

"Yes," the henchman confirmed.

Only Mr. and Mrs. Harper and their son were present. Alexia was missing.

"Find Alexia Harper," Lorenzo ordered.

Alexia, initially reluctant, had changed her mind at the last minute. She was taking a taxi to the hotel, with bodyguards in tow.

Lorenzo and his henchmen found her exiting the taxi. "Follow her!" Lorenzo shouted. "Miss, wait!"

Alexia turned, puzzled. "Who are you?"