Chapter 467
Richard looked at Sidney disdainfully, a mysterious expression on his face. During his few days of unconsciousness, it felt like he’d experienced a very long dream. In this dream, a voice repeatedly urged him to rest, whispering that he was tired. His eyelids felt heavy. Though he tried many times to wake, his injuries were too severe; he lacked the strength. He believed he was dying.
However, yesterday, he felt something protecting his heart, a warmth unlike any he'd known before, as if he were submerged in a hot spring. This comforting sensation spread through his limbs and bones.
Then, the feeling of being controlled vanished. He gently opened his eyes and awoke. He couldn't explain this strange feeling, but it certainly wasn't due to the small pill.
Speaking of which, Richard remembered the girl brought to Royal Bay that morning. He would make whoever admitted her pay. Sidney, still pondering Richard's words, suddenly received a deadly glare. "Whatwhat did I do wrong?" he stammered.
His heart leaped; cold sweat broke out.
Richard said, "Receive fifty lashes."
"You're so heartless!" Sidney began to protest, but Richard's cold gaze silenced him. Before Richard could double the punishment, Sidney hastily agreed. "I'll go, I'll go!"
The office door opened and closed, silencing all sound. Richard stood before the floor-to-ceiling window on the top floor, gazing toward Cedar Ridge Villa.
He'd ordered his men to remove all online posts and taught those who'd attacked the Kelley Group a lesson. Even those who'd thrown trash and rocks at Cedar Ridge Villa had been found and incapacitated. He understood John's anxieties.
But unknown to anyone, Richard would willingly give his life for Tiffany, if she truly desired it. But before that, he would bring her back, even if it cost him his life.
Tiffany suddenly sneezed. The late autumn air was cold. She huddled in the back seat, pulling her coat tighter. Seeing this, June switched on the heater.
The car moved forward, finally stopping at the entrance of Cedar Ridge Villa. Before exiting, Tiffany instructed, "June, use this time to buy back all the shares the Azure Sea Royal Family's Saintess purchased."
Morwen had previously attempted to control the Kelley family by acquiring all its shares. However, she'd been thwarted by Owen. Despite her efforts, she couldn't obtain the shares in Owen's possession, preventing her from controlling the Kelley family with her 40% stake. Now, the Kelley family's shares had plummeted, becoming worthless to Morwen, so Tiffany believed she would sell them. This was an opportunity to reclaim everything.
"Don't worry, Miss Kelley. I'll handle it," June replied, slightly surprised. She hadn't expected Tiffany to think of this under the circumstances.
"Then I'm leaving," Tiffany said, exiting the car and walking at a moderate pace toward Cedar Ridge Villa. From the outside, she saw that the plants and flowers were damaged to varying degrees; there was even some unidentified trash on the ground. Looking up, she noticed spiderweb cracks on a window.
Tiffany lowered her eyes, understanding the state of her home. She offered a nonchalant smile and rang the doorbell.
A servant emerged with a broom, seemingly prepared for a confrontation. Upon seeing Tiffany, she exclaimed, surprised and happy, "Miss Kelley, you're back! That's wonderful!"
The servant tossed aside the broom, hastily opening the iron gate. "Miss Kelley, come in quickly. There might be troublemakers outside; you can't stay out long," she said, then realizing her slip, covered her mouth. Tiffany smiled, asking no questions.
Entering the villa, she found everything seemingly unchanged. Though only three days had passed, it felt much longer.
Hearing the servant's shout, Thalia rushed downstairs. "My daughter's back?" she asked, surprised and delighted. But seeing the wound on Tiffany's face, her eyes widened. "What happened? Which bastard hurt you?!" Thalia cursed, a first for her.
Tiffany smiled. "Mom, don't worry. I accidentally fell down the stairs. I'll be fine in a few days."
Thalia exclaimed, "How can such a deep wound not hurt?!"
"It doesn't hurt. I'm beautiful. Even injured, I can still charm plenty of people," Tiffany said, her narcissism unabashed. Thalia chuckled. "Cheeky!"
They sat on the sofa. Seeing the damage to her home, Tiffany felt a pang of guilt. "Mom, I'm sorry to have implicated you."
20:06 Sat, Nov 16
Chapter 467
"What are you talking about?" Thalia patted her hand, her eyes filled with concern. "These are unimportant. Your father and I worry most about you." Regarding the engagement party, Thalia and Charlie Kelley had no memory of the events. Their memories ended with their morning preparations for the hotel. They learned of what transpired from others, but only partial accounts.
Charlie believed he'd been excessively drunk and had backed out, using this as a forced explanation for his memory loss.
However, Thalia sensed something amiss. She asked, "Tiffany, tell me the truth. What happened at the engagement party? Did you accidentally stab Richard because of us?"
Tiffany was surprised but couldn't admit it. What was done was done; there was no need to burden her parents with guilt.
"It's not like that," she said, shaking her head with a faint smile. "There were misunderstandings and conflicts. I acted impulsively. It has nothing to do with you."
"Is that so?" Thalia remained suspicious. She didn't believe Tiffany capable of such impulsiveness. Even her past pursuit of Kenneth hadn't involved malicious actions. Now, much more mature, Thalia found it hard to believe Tiffany would do such a thing. The rumors claimed Tiffany had nearly killed Richard.
Thalia wanted to probe further but was softly interrupted by Tiffany. "Mom, it's really fine. Don't ask. Just thinking about it makes me feel terrible"