Chapter 561

Unlike Richard's open demeanor, Jeremy briefly glanced at Tiffany during a quiet moment, quickly looking away to avoid notice.

Minutes passed. Tiffany's fingers finally stilled. After prolonged focus on hypnosis, her throat felt dry. A glass of water suddenly appeared before her.

Looking up, she saw Richard's handsome face.

"Don't stare at me. Drink," he teased playfully.

Tiffany rolled her eyes but took the glass, sipping the water. She then turned to the Azure Sea King, lying on the bed. Gently patting his shoulder, she called softly, "Grandpa? Grandpa?" She was careful not to jolt him awake.

The Azure Sea King's eyelids fluttered. Before he could fully open his eyes, however, Ewan, who had been unconscious on the floor, stirred.

Finding himself sprawled on the ground, Ewan looked confused. His gaze fell suspiciously on Tiffany. He almost blurted out, "Did you hit me?"

Before he could speak, a faint cough came from the bed. The king's eyes opened.

"Grandpa!" Tiffany exclaimed, her face lighting up with relief.

The elderly man blinked, his cloudy eyes wide with shock and wonder. His lips trembled, attempting to form words, but overwhelming emotion silenced him.

Ewan, believing the king was about to scold Tiffany, rushed forward. "Your Majesty, this girl performed unauthorized acupuncture! She could have harmed you. You must punish her!"

The Azure Sea King remained silent, his gaze fixed on Tiffany with a dazed expression.

Ewan persisted. "Your Majesty, she needs to be taught a lesson!"

Suddenly, the Azure Sea King reacted. Despite his frailty, he sat up and kicked Ewan, his voice thundering. "Punish her? You dare suggest I punish my granddaughter? The granddaughter I've spent years searching for? You're the one who needs discipline for overstepping your bounds!"

Though the kick lacked force, the king's words hit like a hammer. Ewan stumbled back, disbelief etched on his face.

"Granddaughter?" Ewan stammered. "But the royal family's granddaughter went missing years ago! This can't be!"

"Your Majesty… are you sure? Could you be mistaken?" Ewan dared to ask.

The Azure Sea King's face darkened. Picking up a pillow, he threw it at Ewan. "Mistaken? Do you think I wouldn't recognize my own flesh and blood? You're the one who's confused!"

The king deeply regretted his oversight. His little princess had arrived in the Azure Sea and participated in the Treasure Pavilion challenge right under his nose. Michael had urged him to review the surveillance footage, but he hadn't. Had he done so, he would have immediately recognized her. The delicate girl before him was the princess he had sought for thirteen years. Her features were unmistakable, though her once innocent eyes now reflected maturity.

Tears welled in the king's eyes as he turned back to Tiffany. His voice trembled. "Grandpa has let you down."

Memories of the night Tiffany disappeared flooded his mind—the chaos, betrayal, and blood on the carpet. He had been too busy managing the crisis to protect her. By the time he realized traitors had taken her, it was too late. For thirteen years, he had lived with the guilt of failing her, losing not only his son and daughter-in-law that night but also his only granddaughter.

Now, she was here.

Tiffany's heart ached at the sight of the king's tears. She grabbed a tissue and gently wiped them away, patting his back. "It's okay. Please don't cry. You've just woken up. You need to rest. Getting emotional isn't good for you."

She paused, her voice softening. "And Grandpa, I've never blamed you."

Her words trailed off as she looked down, hiding the guilt in her eyes. She felt she had failed him too by taking so long to return.

The Azure Sea King shook his head and smiled through his tears, his expression filled with love. "It's not your fault, my child. My little princess has grown into such a fine young lady."

His voice carried both pride and sadness. Thirteen years of lost time could never be recovered, but he was grateful she was here now.

"It's good that you've come back," the king said warmly.

Suddenly, he coughed, and Jeremy rushed to offer water. But Richard, always a step ahead, presented a glass first.

The Azure Sea King took the glass, glancing curiously at Richard. "Mr. Hampton?"

Richard smiled. Taking Tiffany's hand, he said confidently, "Allow me to introduce myself properly. I'm your grandson-in-law."

The words, though softly spoken, carried immense weight.

The Azure Sea King was visibly stunned, his expression momentarily frozen. His gaze shifted to Tiffany, searching for coercion. Tiffany's cheeks were slightly flushed, but though shy, she didn't avoid his probing look. Instead, she nodded faintly.

A jealous man wasn't easily appeased, and Tiffany knew inaction would lead to endless torment. Besides, she had already chosen Richard in her heart, and her words were genuine.

The Azure Sea King's initial shock melted into a warm smile. He chuckled, nodding. "Alright, alright! If my little princess is happy, then so am I!"

Looking at the love and contentment in Tiffany's eyes, he knew this wasn't a rushed decision. She had chosen someone who made her truly happy. And that was all he could ever want for his beloved granddaughter.