Chapter 468
Tiffany felt terrible; she'd done everything herself. Despite her intense reluctance and struggle, she'd failed to prevent it. She had nearly killed Richard. Even now, the memory of her body's uncontrollable actions, the helpless despair, and the terror of the knife inching toward Richard's heart made her shudder. Fortunately, Richard was unharmed; otherwise, she couldn't have forgiven herself.
Seeing Tiffany tremble, Thalia gently stroked her hair. "I won't ask anymore," she said. "It's over. Any conflict or misunderstanding can be resolved through discussion." Tiffany lowered her eyes. Can we talk it out? she wondered.
That morning, she'd gone to Royal Bay to see Richard, but he'd refused her. However, Grelle had been admitted immediately—something unprecedented. Outsiders were never allowed into Royal Bay; Grelle's admittance meant Richard's approval. Tiffany felt Grelle should be with Richard.
She laughed, glancing at a corner of the villa piled high with dozens of large, ornate boxes containing expensive gifts: paintings, jewelry—all from Richard. The delivery had been ostentatious, making Tiffany the envy of Lovell City. Now, though, she felt everyone hated her.
Self-deprecatingly, she murmured, "Mom, arrange to return these things."
Thalia looked puzzled. "Why?"
Despite the failed engagement and the accident, Richard hadn't sent anyone to formally end it. This suggested the situation wasn't irreparable.
Tiffany curled up on the sofa, a bitter smile playing on her lips. "I need to be realistic." While the Hampton family hadn't broken off the engagement, the Royal Group's recent suppression of the Kelley family clearly showed Richard's attitude. She felt his hatred keenly.
Thalia sighed. "Let's discuss this with your father when he returns, okay?"
"Okay."
Hearing Tiffany was home, Charlie rushed back from the company. Seeing her facial wound, he was almost overcome with emotion.
"I'm fine," Tiffany reassured him, her voice laced with helplessness. Only gradually did Charlie relax. Once he calmed down, Tiffany reiterated her wish to return Richard's gifts.
Charlie disagreed. "This is a major decision. Don't rashly break off the engagement. Let's wait. If there's no other option, then we'll proceed."
"Okay," Tiffany nodded obediently.
Soon, Charlie rushed back to the company, his usual composure shattered. His hurried footsteps and disheveled hair reflected the stress of the Royal Group's actions against the Kelley family. Tiffany watched him go, her eyes thoughtful. She then called Caleb.
Without explanation, Caleb said, "Don't worry, Miss Kelley. I've made arrangements. All external collaborations will support Mr. Kelley."
"Okay," Tiffany replied, smiling gently. Her loyal aides had saved her much trouble. June managed Miracle Healer, and Caleb her company. Before, she'd had Jeremy, who could handle anything.
Tiffany hung up, collapsing weakly onto her bed. The diamond pendant around her neck felt cold, unyielding. Jeremy had given it to her, saying she should smash it in danger; he'd come immediately. She'd never used it, even on the way to the Azure Sea Royal Family. Now, she considered it, then decided against it. She tucked the pendant away and buried her face in the blanket.
Meanwhile, aboard a private plane to the Azure Sea Royal Family, Jeremy sat lazily, his face masked. He was delicate-looking, but not strikingly handsome. In a crowd, only his arrogant aura distinguished him.
His subordinate asked cautiously, "Your Royal Highness, we're almost at the Azure Sea Royal Family. Why haven't you removed your mask?"
Jeremy's sharp gaze warned, "You talk too much."
The subordinate's face paled. "I'm sorry."
Jeremy found a comfortable position. The cabin was quiet, sunlight illuminating fluffy clouds outside. His mind was blank, yet Tiffany's face—exquisite and beautiful—filled his thoughts.
On the night he left Lovell City, Tiffany's eyes had held a cunning glint. She'd wanted to see his true face. He'd refused, but she'd tried to rip off his mask. She'd failed, but he'd promised to show her next time. He wondered if she'd even remembered, or him. He smiled wryly. His obsidian eyes shone bright and clear.
After an hour, the plane landed.
"Your Royal Highness, we've arrived," the servant announced.
Jeremy opened his eyes, rising immediately. The king's edict had been sudden, sending him rushing to the Azure Sea Royal Family. His subordinates believed it was an urgent royal matter, but he simply wanted to finish his mission quickly, find the princess, return to Luna Villa in Lovell City, and hear Tiffany mockingly call him Lord Cooper again. Smiling faintly, he disembarked. However, a beautiful woman stood on the tarmac: Morwen Xanthus. Turning, she greeted him with a sweet smile, "Your Royal Highness, long time no see."