Richard, overseeing the global economy and attending on behalf of the Hampton family, watched the unfolding drama. Why would the guests care about the children's argument? Everyone attempted to engage Richard in small talk, but his assistant subtly deflected them, sensing his anger.

The banquet hall fell silent. All eyes were on Richard, his gaze as cold and deep as a frozen lake. His aura was menacing, making the guests uneasy and perspiring. A pink paper drifted down from the ceiling. Richard elegantly picked it up. The simple act showcased his innate nobility, an untouchable grace. He examined the paper: a girl's cheerful drawing and a simple note about changing weather.

Why, he wondered, did this make people uncomfortable? His expression darkened further. The guests exchanged hesitant glances, unsure who would break the silence.

Alexia, however, stepped forward smugly. "Mr. Richard, do you also find the author of these love letters shameless? Why stoop so low to please my brother?"

"I beg your pardon?"

Richard's thin lips curved into a chilling half-smile. His cold gaze, almost murderous, was lost on Alexia, who continued her attack. "Never have I seen such a shameless young lady! Cooking, folding stars and cranes… Who cares about such trash?" She glared at Tiffany.

Tiffany remained silent, until Richard's probing gaze stopped her. She sensed his disappointment. The Hampton-Harper family connection, and her actions, had marred the banquet. She felt his barely contained anger. Alexia, meanwhile, reveled in her success.

Richard mused, "She wrote a love letter, made stars, and cooked breakfast?"

"Exactly! I'm dying of laughter. So shameless! I wonder what my parents taught her…" Alexia began, only to be cut short by Richard.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I would also want such a reasonable girl."

His words, clear and powerful, were a shockwave in the still room. Tiffany was stunned. She looked up to see a faint smile on his lips, his gaze piercing the crowd to land on her—a protective gesture. A sliver of hope pierced her despair.

Alexia's actions, though despicable, were brilliant; Tiffany had indeed written the letters and made the crafts. A loving gesture twisted into a mockery. Kenneth, among those who laughed, felt ashamed. Richard, uninvolved, had become her unexpected protector.

"What is love?" she thought. "Something trampled on, causing countless humiliations. Finally, someone says… I am worth it." She smiled faintly.

Charlie, having been conferring with Romeo, rushed in, his face contorted at the sight of the scattered papers. He'd brought his daughter to celebrate, not to be humiliated. Furious, he glared at Alexia and pulled Tiffany's hand. "Let's go. They don't like us; fine. Let's go home."

The Harper family arrived. Romeo grabbed Charlie, advising, "Charlie, calm down. I'll avenge Tiffany!" He slammed his cane on the floor, his face ashen. "Take that silly girl away to reflect!"

Ryan supported Romeo. Mrs. Harper dragged the indignant Alexia away.

"All of you are so troublesome!" Romeo exclaimed. He noticed Charlie and Tiffany hadn't left, their earlier conversation clearly unresolved. Romeo had made concessions to prevent the engagement's cancellation, promising Tiffany a protected place within the Harper family, even addressing Sandra's pursuit of Kenneth. But Alexia's actions revealed a deeper problem: his granddaughter's capacity for public humiliation. What if Tiffany suffered in the future? The Harper family would protect their own; who would care for Tiffany?

Charlie declared, "Mr. Romeo, let's pretend that didn't happen."

Romeo, gazing sadly at Kenneth, sighed, "Grandson, you'll understand the importance of this. Then, you'll see how foolish you've been…"

Kenneth, who'd seen Alexia's orchestrated display of the love letters, remained silent, his reputation paramount. His friend's mockery only hardened his stance. He couldn't comprehend Romeo's words, a realization that would come too late.

The incident passed quickly. The staff cleaned the mess. The banquet resumed, albeit with less joy. The Harper family kowtowed to Romeo; Alexia, banished to her room, was absent. No one dared trouble Tiffany.

Tiffany planned to thank Richard, but the event's grandeur made it tactless. Then, an unexpected visitor arrived.

"Tiffany, I've thought it over," Sandra said, offering a drink. "In the future… I won't oppose you anymore."