Not long after a recent upheaval, Lovell City buzzed with anticipation for Romeo's birthday. A distinguished member of high society, Romeo's birthday was a significant event, drawing all the notable figures, including the Kelley family. Still technically linked to the Harpers through an engagement, the Kelleys felt obligated to attend.
Tiffany vividly remembered last year's party. High-society ladies had cruelly attacked her, criticizing her pursuit of Kenneth and calling her shameless and lowly. Humiliated, she'd received no defense from Kenneth, but Romeo had stepped in, authoritatively declaring, "In the Harper family, Kenneth's wife can only be Tiffany." This public declaration implied that regardless of her perceived flaws or the criticisms leveled against her, her status as Kenneth's wife remained unchanged. Romeo had single-handedly orchestrated the marriage, overcoming Kenneth's reluctance and the Harpers' initial reservations. Looking back, Tiffany found this remarkable. She questioned what made her so special to the Harpers. Even breaking the engagement proved incredibly difficult.
When Charlie presented her with the invitation, he hesitated, asking, "Sweetheart, if you don't want to go" "I'll go," Tiffany replied firmly. The party presented a valuable opportunity; she planned to give Sandra a significant gift. Relieved by Tiffany's decisive response, Charlie felt a sense of relief.
Cedar Ridge Villa had recently seen increased security, with additional bodyguards and a complete staff overhaul. Given Stan and Selena's disappearance and the ongoing manhunt, precautions were necessary to prevent any dangerous actions. "When you go out, make sure to take a bodyguard," Charlie insisted. Tiffany nodded, but her attention seemed elsewhere. She wasn't concerned about Stan's revenge—he was dead. As for Selena, Tiffany had a reason for keeping her alive: to torment Sandra.
After attending to family matters, Tiffany returned to school two days later. Zoe, worried during her absence, greeted her with relief, "Tiffany, you're finally back! There have been so many rumors." Glancing at Sandra, surrounded by supportive friends, Zoe added sarcastically, "Stories like 'The Farmer and the Snake' are common these days. The real danger is a kind heart hiding an ugly soul. Like father, like daughter, right?"
The Kelley family purge had become public knowledge, making Stan's family pariahs. People condemned their betrayal and hidden murderous intent. Although uninvolved, Sandra faced gossip. However, her past goodwill offered some protection, although some still capitalized on her predicament. Zoe, witnessing this hypocritical sympathy, argued with Sandra's defenders. One retorted, "Don't blame the children for their parents' sins!" Zoe sneered, "Ever heard of 'the sins of the father'?" But many remained unconvinced.
Suddenly, Tiffany's chair shattered. With a disdainful glance, she declared, "Have you all forgotten who's in charge?" Her reputation for intolerance silenced everyone. The boys, however, found her even more alluring, her fierce temper adding to her charisma. Ged, previously captivated only by her beauty, now saw her brilliance shine through. Her bold personality was magnetic, yet he wrestled with conflicting feelings, questioning if his attraction constituted a betrayal of his ideal woman.
Sandra, however, seethed with anger. Her plan had failed, and her parents were fugitives. Expelled from the Kelley family, she felt like a stray dog, watching Tiffany thrive. Refusing to give up, Sandra sought Kenneth in the library. He frowned, asking, "What are you doing here?" "Can't I come see you?" she asked, feigning vulnerability. Knowing tears were her weapon, she pleaded to accompany him to Romeo's birthday, clinging to his arm and playing the abandoned victim.
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