Chapter 523
“What…did she mean?” Grelle’s heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she felt a bad premonition. However, she remained seated on the ground, saying aggrievedly, “Tiffany, can you forgive me? As long as you stop being angry, I will bow and apologize!”
She gestured as if to bow.
The reporters witnessed this scene with shock, judging Tiffany harshly. They reasoned that if Tiffany hadn't repeatedly bullied Grelle, she wouldn't be so terrified as to apologize for such a minor offense.
“As expected of a wealthy lady. She’s used to being arrogant and despotic,” the reporters mused. While indignant on Grelle’s behalf, they were thrilled to have unearthed this exclusive story. Today’s interview footage would be captivating, garnering significant views and boosting their monthly bonuses.
Consequently, the reporters focused intently on taking photos and recording.
Grelle, already on the ground, bent at the waist, preparing to apologize. June stood trembling with rage beside her. Every word Grelle uttered only fueled the reporters' negative perception of Tiffany. Grelle’s incessant apologies and pleas for forgiveness inadvertently implicated herself and Richard. This public display of contrition would undoubtedly invite a storm of online criticism against Tiffany.
June, fists clenched, felt a surge of anger. She yearned to rush over and slap the hypocritical Grelle. Grelle's actions were repulsive to her.
But as Grelle bowed, a familiar voice rang out, “Grelle!”
The familiar accent stiffened Grelle. She turned around in disbelief. Not far away, a couple, sweating profusely, carried baskets.
The simple, honest couple, weathered farmers from their village, had cultivated cotton for years. Their tanned cheeks and broad smiles revealed their humble nature. They were Grelle's parents.
Approaching the rest area, they set down their basket, revealing a slaughtered chicken, cabbages, asparagus, and corn.
Grelle's expression flickered with embarrassment, shame, and awkwardness. It was difficult for her to ask, "Dad…Mom…why are you here?"
The Sandy couple responded, "Hey, Grelle, you didn't even greet your family when you came to the big city. We worried about you every day." They then turned to Tiffany, their faces alight with joy. "Miss Kelley, you're our benefactor. Melvor Mountain owes its current state to you…"
"We also brought some chickens and eggs—a small token of our appreciation. If you don't mind…"
"Why wouldn't I?" Tiffany replied gently. "Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Sandy. I'll accept them."
The Sandy couple nodded repeatedly, showering Tiffany with gratitude. "Miss Kelley is such a good person," they exclaimed. "Thank you for sponsoring the children of Melvor Mountain and helping us in so many ways. And now you're even looking after Grelle. We're so grateful…" Their words overflowed with sincere appreciation.
The reporters were momentarily stunned.
"Huh? Sponsoring the poor village? Since this couple are Grelle's parents, their words must be true. In other words, the notorious Miss Kelley has performed a great deed?" they wondered.
A male reporter immediately checked his phone, finding information on Melvor Mountain's development, including photos of Tiffany distributing supplies. The village's poverty was shocking, yet Tiffany had quietly undertaken charitable work. Grelle's silence about her benefactor's actions was intriguing.
The reporters exchanged glances and handed the microphone to the Sandy couple. "We're reporters from the Entertainment Reporting Club. We'd like to interview you. Are you Grelle's parents?"
"Yes," the couple replied.
"Can you elaborate on the funding you mentioned?"
"Sure," Justin Sandy, Grelle's father, said, his simple honesty evident in his smile. Grelle tried to intervene, but it was too late.
His clear voice, though accented, was easily understood. He detailed Tiffany’s contributions to Melvor Mountain.
"Our elementary school used to be mud huts that leaked when it rained. We worried about the children's safety. Now, Melvor Mountain has a new, spacious school accommodating over a thousand students. Miss Kelley also donated countless things we’d never seen before. Our cotton, previously unsold, now sells readily. Roads and bridges have been built, those who left for work have returned, the elderly are cared for, and families are reunited. Lives are improving, and everyone sees hope."
His wife, Mandy, nodded in agreement.
The reporters, viewing the couple's simple faces on camera, were astonished by this revelation. Further investigation confirmed their story. They discovered Tiffany had established a charitable foundation six months prior, donating over $200 million—all her own funds, without outside contributions.
The reporters couldn't help but think, "How can such a person be arrogant and despotic? How could she bully Grelle? It's all lies. Where is their conscience?”
Their perspective shifted. They now viewed Tiffany with respect, impressed by her quiet philanthropy and refusal to seek public recognition, even amidst criticism. Grelle’s earlier words now seemed utterly disingenuous.