Chapter 569

“Why are you suddenly asking about this?” The king, though surprised, replied, “I don’t know much, but since you want to hear it, I will tell you.”

It was about ten years ago—at least, that’s what he vaguely remembered. He clearly recalled only that the Azure Sea Royal Family was at its peak then, thriving financially and politically. He’d wanted his son, Shawn Affleck, to inherit the throne. However, young Shawn had other plans. He secretly left the Azure Sea Royal Family, claiming that as the future successor, he needed to travel and broaden his horizons. Under the guise of training and gaining experience, he slipped away.

The king, furious, couldn’t entirely suppress Shawn’s rebellious spirit and reluctantly let him go. Eight months later, Shawn returned—not alone, but with a young woman named Faith Ashton.

Faith was strikingly beautiful, with a vibrant yet composed demeanor. Her confident yet unpretentious words immediately charmed the king. He appreciated her elegance and grace, tacitly approving of her burgeoning relationship with Shawn.

Then, a few months later, scandal erupted. Faith, drunk at a royal event, was found in bed with another man. A month after that, her pregnancy was revealed. Faith vehemently insisted she hadn't been intimate with anyone that night and that the child was Shawn’s. However, the Azure Sea Royal Family turned against her. She was vilified, her reputation destroyed, and no one believed her. The outcry was relentless, with members of the royal court using the opportunity to oppose their union.

Some even declared that if Shawn, the crown prince, insisted on marrying Faith—a woman they called a “slut”—he would forfeit his claim to the throne. Many pressured Shawn to choose.

The king’s anger exploded. He publicly executed several dissenters to quell the uproar. Even so, Shawn defied his family, leaving with Faith and vanishing for a year.

The king organized search parties, but Shawn and Faith remained missing. He eventually consoled himself with the thought that they were safe, perhaps seeking refuge with the Ashton family in Traron City.

A year later, after the Azure Sea Royal Family’s internal turmoil subsided and his position was secure, the king sent emissaries to Traron City to inquire about the Ashton family. Their report was devastating: Shawn and Faith had been hunted down and killed.

In the countless days and nights that followed, the king was consumed by guilt. He often wondered if, had he been firmer—had he dealt more ruthlessly with those self-serving conspirators—Shawn and Faith might still be alive.

He sighed. “I bear the greatest responsibility. It was foolish of me to think their departure was a good thing. It never occurred to me that some would be so obsessed with my position that they'd secretly order their deaths!”

“Then what happened?” Tiffany asked.

“Then…” the king recalled, “I found you in a trash can, a tiny baby, frozen and bruised. Yet, when I picked you up, you smiled at me.”

Chapter 369

At that time, Tiffany was a baby swaddled in blankets, smiling like a delightful doll, an angel sent from heaven. Tiffany knew the rest of the story.

The king took her home, cared for her, and doted on her for five years, until the Azure Sea Royal Family’s infighting erupted, and she vanished amid the chaos.

Tiffany paused. “Grandpa, did you believe my mother back then?”

Everyone turned against her, accusing her of drunken indiscretions and sleeping with another man. With such “evidence,” no matter what she said, no one would have believed her. And, in truth, it had all been a conspiracy.

The king shook his head. “I never doubted her because your father was my son. A woman who could make him treat her that way, I didn’t think she would do such a thing.”

Tiffany smiled. “Thank you, Grandpa.”

It didn't matter what others thought. As long as those closest to them believed her, it must have been a great comfort to Faith. In that case, the man in bed with Faith must have been James.

Tiffany’s mood grew complicated. If that was true, then James, who could restrain himself and remain courteous in front of his beloved, might have shown some sincerity. She had no right to criticize the past or judge who was right or wrong. She could only sigh at fate's cruelty.

Tiffany rubbed her brow, setting aside those thoughts. “Grandpa, since you’re fine, I’m going back to Lovell City.”

Lovell City held its own significance for her.

“So soon?” the king was surprised.

“Yes.” Tiffany explained her situation in Lovell City. After being away so long, her family would naturally be worried. She imagined her adoptive father waiting at the door each day, yearning to see her.

The king sighed and nodded. “Alright. Your wedding day is approaching, and I will certainly come to give you a gift and my blessings.”

“Thank you.” Tiffany stayed a while before leaving the inner chamber with Richard. Jeremy accompanied them to the door, remaining silent. He, usually quiet, was now stone-still.

Tiffany raised an eyebrow and patted Jeremy’s shoulder. “Lord Cooper, why so quiet?”

Jeremy looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers, his emotions unreadable, his seriousness palpable.

Then he asked, “If I don’t want you to leave, would you stay?”

Tiffany was surprised. The question was unexpected, catching her off guard. Jeremy looked away, as if he hadn’t spoken, and bowed respectfully. “I’m sorry, please forgive my impoliteness.”

He was no longer the shy boy who blushed easily at Luna Villa. Now, he stood before her as a lord of the Azure Sea Royal Family, his demeanor stiff, respectful, and distant.

Tiffany was momentarily taken aback, but Jeremy had already bowed and quickly walked away. Richard, following close behind, gave instructions to his men before approaching. Noticing Tiffany’s expression, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Tiffany looked up at Richard’s handsome face and smiled. “Let’s go home now.”

The word “home” sounded comforting. It also made Richard’s heart flutter. Richard’s cold features softened with joy. His devilish charm became even more attractive.

Tiffany took a step forward and threw herself into Richard’s arms, laughing softly. “I’m tired. Carry me.”

Her voice was soft, like a child’s. Richard would never refuse. He smiled, the coldness in his eyes melting into warmth. “Okay.”

He kissed her hair, then lifted her and carried her toward the waiting private plane.

The final lines ("宙 +5", "Cher 369", "08:21 Thu, Nov 28 =3") appear to be extraneous and were removed.