Chapter 461

Sidney was asked about Tiffany. He didn't know what to say. He couldn't reveal that Tiffany hadn't been back since her rejection at the Royal Bay engagement party, and that rumors circulated of her abandoning everything for a leisurely trip. He feared Richard's disappointment and potential rage.

"Tiffany isn't here," Sidney lied smoothly. "She's fine, but she doesn't have time to visit."

But Richard, sharp as ever, saw through the lie. The room's atmosphere thickened.

Richard's voice, restrained yet vicious, cut through the silence: "Speak the truth." The words were laced with lethal intent.

Sidney's heart pounded. He almost bit his tongue. Under the implied threat, he sighed, "Tiffany didn't come. I heard she went on a trip. But you can't blame her; the rumors are awful. Besides, even if she wanted to see you, no one would let her into the Royal Bay."

A cold laugh escaped Richard's lips—a laugh filled with self-mockery and bitterness. His handsome, devilish face wore a heart-wrenching expression of self-deprecation. Then, his head snapped up, revealing only brutality and viciousness in his scarlet eyes. Sidney saw a flash of the Richard from three years ago—powerful, ruthless, and unforgiving. He sighed inwardly, then changed the subject, feigning normalcy. "Looks like the medicine I gave you is working well."

"Yeah," Richard replied noncommittally.

"It was from Grelle," Sidney added.

"I don't know her," Richard responded instantly. He looked at Sidney indifferently. "Go out."

Sidney, feeling the dismissal, quickly left. Richard pulled out an intravenous needle, sat up, and went to the bathroom, tearing open his shirt. His physique was impressive, but a deep scar was visible beneath a removed bandage.

"So it wasn't a dream…" Richard murmured, a bitter smile touching his lips. He recalled the perfectly planned engagement party, his hopes dashed by the coldness of betrayal. He remembered Tiffany's cruel smile and her words, each one a fresh wound: "I used you. I wanted revenge on the Harpers. I never loved you, not even a little bit. You were a fool."

Her words cut deeper than any knife. He'd confirmed it was truly Tiffany; no imposter, no disguise. The more he thought about it, the colder he felt, a bone-chilling emptiness consuming him.

He turned on the shower, the steam filling the bathroom, blurring his reflection. But the cold remained, even the hot water unable to thaw his frozen heart. He hadn't even received a visit while he was comatose.

A sudden chill on his neck caught his attention. It was the silver moon pendant Tiffany had given him, a gift from a night of bright smiles and sparkling eyes. He pulled at it, but the knot was too tight. He couldn't bring himself to cut it. "I'll be trapped with this memory," he sighed, "but I accept it."

The hot water continued to flow, oblivious to the potential for infection. The silver moon pendant flashed a dark blue light.

Downstairs, Sidney found Grelle still waiting.

"How is he?" she asked anxiously. "Is Mr. Hampton alright? Did the medicine help?"

"Yes," Sidney confirmed. "Thank you for the medicine. He's awake, but needs rest and can't see guests. What reward do you want?"

Grelle's face paled. "I don't want a reward. I only wanted to make sure Mr. Hampton was well." Sidney, understanding her unspoken admiration, simply offered to have someone take her home. After some insistence, she finally gave him her address.