Chapter 575
Tiffany looked up, her gaze meeting Eddie's. He didn't shy away but called out enthusiastically, "Hi, Tiffany!"
"Hello," Tiffany replied with a polite smile, barely lifting her lips before Richard stepped in front of her, blocking Eddie's view. 'What an overbearing, possessive, jealous man!' she thought, finding it slightly amusing but choosing not to comment. She turned and headed back to the changing room to change out of the wedding dress.
Once she was out of sight, Eddie leaned back in a chair, exuding lazy confidence. He glanced at Richard with a knowing grin. "The measurements you provided were spot on."
He personally measured everyone he designed for. Only then could he create a custom dress that perfectly suited the client's needs—an occupational habit. He measured with a ruler, always behaving like a gentleman; there were no inappropriate intentions. Even so, Richard had vetoed Eddie's offer to take Tiffany's measurements. From this, Eddie saw how much Richard doted on and protected Tiffany; Richard didn't want anyone else to look at her, let alone touch her. Eddie mused, If Richard could, he'd probably tuck her into his pocket.
Richard raised an eyebrow and replied unabashedly, "Of course. After all, no one else would know his wife's measurements better than him."
"You haven't changed a bit," Eddie said with a laugh, playfully punching Richard's shoulder. Then, remembering something important, he added, "And don't forget to settle the bill." His designs didn't come cheap!
Richard smiled. Their banter, devoid of business or news, held the rare warmth and ease of old friends.
As Tiffany emerged from the changing room, she overheard snippets of their conversation. She raised her eyebrows, surprised by their camaraderie. Eddie turned, noticing her school uniform, and whistled low. "Tiffany still in school?" His eyes flicked to Richard—a teasing glint suggesting innocent young Tiffany "captured" by the practiced hunter, Richard.
Tiffany nodded and walked to Richard. "Hungry?" he asked softly, ignoring Eddie. He reached out to pinch her cheek. Before she could answer, he slipped his arm around her waist, steering her protectively toward the door.
Eddie called out, grinning, "Don't forget to pay up!"
Tiffany found this amusing. In the car, she asked curiously, "Is that your friend?"
"Well, a money-grubber."
Tiffany laughed. A designer of his prominence surely didn't lack money—so why, with fame and status, was he so fixated on it?
Sensing her doubt, Richard explained, "A few years ago, before he became famous, a woman he loved left him for someone else." It hit him hard. Ever since, his only security was a growing bank balance.
"I see…" Tiffany mused, letting the matter drop.
They headed to dinner hand in hand. Richard had reserved an entire restaurant, but as they drove past Maximus Restaurant, Tiffany called out, "Let's stop here and eat at Uncle Owen's restaurant, okay?" Maximus Restaurant had lost clientele after Morwen's schemes. While the damage wasn't catastrophic, Tiffany felt partly responsible; the matter started because of her. She wouldn't let this opportunity to boost the restaurant slip by.
Richard, as usual, had no objections. "As you wish," he said with a faint smile.
John, their driver, pulled over. Tiffany tugged Richard into Maximus Restaurant. Many people recognized Richard, and a ripple of recognition spread through the crowd. Everyone in Lovell City wanted a relationship with the influential Richard Hampton. Excited whispers broke out. However, Richard's sharp gaze kept most at bay.
Instead of a private room, Tiffany chose a cozy window seat. She ordered casually.
Before the food arrived, Owen, the flustered restaurant owner, hurried over. "Mr. Hampton…" he stammered.
Tiffany waved and winked playfully. "Uncle Owen, there's no need to be so formal. We're all family here." She emphasized "all family," ensuring others heard.
Owen froze, glancing at Richard for confirmation. Seeing only a soft, indulgent expression, he relaxed. He realized Tiffany had come to support his business. Gratefulness filled his heart. He nodded gently and instructed the kitchen staff.
Maximus Restaurant's flavors were exceptional.
After dinner, Tiffany and Richard left. Richard's presence dispelled negative rumors; the endorsement would reduce resistance, and Owen's business was sure to thrive.
The car stopped. Cedar Ridge Villa was in sight.
"Good night!" Tiffany was about to get out when Richard grabbed her hand. She turned to see him wrinkling his nose. "Not coming to my place?"
Tiffany froze. 'The wedding is only a few days away. Couldn't he bear it for just a little longer without making every day all about that?' she thought. She snorted. "You wish!"
She bolted from the car, afraid he'd pull her back. Richard chuckled, watching her disappear through the villa gate. "Let's go," he instructed.
"Yes, Mr. Hampton." John restarted the car.
Inside Cedar Ridge Villa, Tiffany crept upstairs, but the sound carried. Thalia emerged from the master bedroom, surprised. "Huh? Tiffany, why are you back?"
"Mom…" Tiffany's face turned crimson. "It's not like I stay out all the time…"
Thalia corrected her seriously. "It's not called staying out. It's called improving your relationship with Richard." They were engaged; the engagement was complete, and the marriage contract was valid. What was there to be shy about?
Tiffany chuckled, a mix of embarrassment and amusement. Her mother had always been fond of Richard. She nodded obediently. "Got it!" She fled to her room.
Thalia shook her head with a helpless smile. Her gaze was warm and affectionate.
Tiffany took a bath, letting the warm water soothe her. She sighed contentedly. Then a thought struck her: Wait… In the last few times of passion Richard and I had, we didn’t seem to take any precautions…