Chapter 550
Tiffany gasped, nearly biting her tongue. The man's amusement deepened, the curve of his lips widening into a light laugh—a feather brushing her heart, causing a faint itch. Finally, she called out, "JJeremy?"
Doubt tinged her voice. She'd known Jeremy for years but had never seen his face. Were it not for his identical eyes and a familiar look, no one would believe the man beneath the mask possessed such breathtaking features. Stunned, she remained speechless.
"That's me," Jeremy said, his acknowledgment crisp.
As expected! Tiffany stood rooted to the spot, her countless fantasies of Jeremy's appearance shattered by reality. Yet, she had to admit his handsomeness was undeniable.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway. Dozens of guards burst in, guns drawn, their expressions cold. "How dare you impersonate a guard and enter the royal inner hall? Guards, seize and execute her!"
Tiffany knew her clumsy method of incapacitating a guard and infiltrating the palace would be discovered. But she hadn't anticipated their swift response.
The lead guard's order was followed by an immediate advance. Just as Tiffany prepared to fight back, a fruit knife flew, embedding itself in the shoulder of a guard about to restrain her. "Ah!" the guard screamed, the sound echoing in the vast bedroom.
The leader bowed to Jeremy, explaining, "Forgive us, Your Highness. Our carelessness allowed this woman entry. We'll arrest her immediately"
Before he finished, Jeremy rose, circled the bed, and approached Tiffany. In the luxurious bedroom, the chandelier cast his shadow long and imposing. His black windbreaker, tall, straight figure, and previously subdued presence were replaced by an aura of commanding authority.
Jeremy stopped three steps from Tiffany. Just as the guards anticipated his arrest of the intruder, he bowed deeply, offering a formal royal salute. Then, softly, he said, "Welcome home, myYour Highness."
Silence descended. The guards' eyes widened, quickly realizing Jeremy's seriousness and unprecedented respect. The intruder was their princess, lost thirteen years ago, the rightful heir. They had attempted her arrest and execution.
The leader trembled, collapsing, crying, "I deserve to die! I failed to recognize and offended Your Highness, forgive me"
Tiffany helped Jeremy up, then addressed the terrified guards, "You may leave." They instantly retreated, relieved.
Alone, Tiffany approached the bed, asking, "How is Grandpa?"
"His condition is poor. Since his collapse, he awakens intermittently, never for more than ten minutes. He shows no signs of poisoning or disease, but he's weak, incurable." Jeremy revealed the king's wrist.
Tiffany checked his pulse; no poison or illness. But why the persistent lapses into unconsciousness?
She looked at the unconscious seventy-five-year-old man, his hair gray, wrinkles deep, breathing shallow, seemingly on the verge of eternal sleep. This was the man who had adored her, showering her with everything she desired.
Thirteen years. Thirteen years since her disappearance at age five. Thirteen years of carefree existence, devoid of past memories. But who could fathom the suffering he endured, losing his son, daughter-in-law, and then his granddaughter?
Thirteen years of torment. Tears stung Tiffany's eyes. She gently patted his shoulder, whispering, "Grandpa, Grandpa" She was back.
Perhaps hearing her voice, the king's eyebrows twitched, his body trembled, and he opened his eyes. Though cloudy, he said clearly, "You heartless brat. You've finally returned. I longed for your return every day you were this big when you left" He gestured, tears streaming. "You're grown now. That's good. As long as you're back" His voice trailed off.
Tiffany was anxious. "Grandpa, don't sleep!" What if he slept forever?
He laughed, closing his eyes, but his frail hand patted hers. A weak voice filled the silence, "Don't be afraid. I'll hold on for you." He had unfinished business.
Chapter 551
(The passage cuts off here. The last sentence is incomplete)