Chapter 618

Richard had no idea what might happen if Tiffany continued. After all these years in his position—always seen by outsiders as cold, restrained, and indifferent to women—this was the first time he had come close to losing control.

The business partner was still rambling, but he finally noticed the storm clouding Richard’s face—a suffocating chill that felt both unyielding and terrifying, like staring into the abyss. The business partner’s heart skipped a beat. He realized he had pushed too far. “Mr. Hampton, actually… we can still discuss the terms of the deal.”

“Get out.” The two words were spat through gritted teeth. Richard’s patience had reached its limit.

The business partner tried desperately. “Mr. Hampton, I can accept more interest. How about we just sign the contract as is? I won’t ask for any changes…”

“Get out.” The same two words, cold and unwavering.

Sensing his boss was on the verge of an outburst, Tyrone quickly pulled the business partner away, reassuring Richard, “Don’t worry, Mr. Hampton. I’ll make sure no one disturbs you again. Not unless they step over my body!”

With that, Tyrone swiftly shut the door.

The business partner, dumbfounded but refusing to give up, asked, “What does this mean? Is Mr. Hampton refusing to sign the contract? I know we pushed too far, but the deal…”

Tyrone said, “Leave the contract matters to the COO. I’ll take you to him now.”

“Yes, yes, that works!” The business partner nodded eagerly, grateful for the alternative.

Tyrone had an assistant escort the man downstairs while he stationed himself firmly outside Richard’s office door. He muttered, “Hmph, with me here, not even a fly will get inside this time!”

The moment Tiffany found herself hoisted over Richard’s shoulder, she realized she had gone too far. She struggled frantically. “Richard, calm down! This is your office. You still have work to do!”

Richard sneered, thinking, I’m calm, very calm. Even after being provoked earlier, I didn’t lose control. But now? Asking for mercy is far too late.

“The office will do just fine.” Carrying Tiffany, Richard went straight into the private bedroom at the back of his office. He occasionally used the space for a nap, so the bed linens were always fresh. The room was fully equipped with a bathroom, bathtub, and everything he might need. Plenty of fun for what he had in mind.

Tiffany learned a hard lesson; her back ached, and her legs felt like jelly. Even with her unusual physical resilience, she couldn’t handle his relentless energy.

Two hours later, Richard, freshly dressed and perfectly composed, resumed his work. Tiffany remained in the bedroom, fast asleep, recovering her strength.

Chapter 618 (Continued)

Over an hour later, Tiffany’s stomach growled loudly. She walked out of the bedroom and called out weakly, “You jerk, I’m starving!”

Richard smiled, walking over and wrapping an arm around her waist. Teasingly, he remarked, “You’re not very durable, are you?”

“Stop it!” Tiffany shoved him away angrily and stormed ahead, though her steps were unsteady.

Richard, having wrapped up important tasks, decided nothing was more important than his wife. Ignoring her annoyed expression, he caught up with her in the elevator and pulled her into his arms, saying, “If you’re struggling to walk, don’t push yourself. Lean on me.”

Tiffany couldn’t deny it felt good, so she reached out her arms and pouted. “Either carry me or give me a piggyback ride—your choice.”

Richard’s smile widened as he crouched slightly. Just then, the elevator reached the ground floor.

As the doors opened, many employees saw their always-composed, aloof, and dignified CEO giving his wife a piggyback ride. Richard’s lips carried a gentle, indulgent smile; Tiffany pouted like a child and clung to him, her bright eyes slightly teary, carrying a hint of grievance.

It was a picture-perfect moment. Though many employees felt envious or jealous, they had to admit the couple’s impeccable looks and chemistry made them a perfect match.

The female employees who had been gossiping earlier were shocked. Their jealousy was overflowing, and they vented bitterly.

“Ahhh, I can’t take it anymore!” said a young woman.

“Why isn’t it me?” asked the woman in brown.

They had been sure Tiffany would be abandoned and the next day’s wedding canceled. They had eagerly awaited the disgraced Mrs. Hampton’s fall from grace. But to their disbelief, Richard showed nothing but love and devotion. The man known for his icy demeanor had melted into someone tender and caring. How could they not be bitter with envy?

After Richard and Tiffany left, the entire staff at Imperial Tower was buzzing. Group chats exploded with heated discussions, all centered around the same question: “What on earth does Tiffany have to deserve someone like Richard?”

A wave of jealousy swept through the women.

Meanwhile, Tiffany sneezed repeatedly. She sat in a reserved restaurant, watching Richard peel shrimp for her. His clean, elegant fingers, once so fastidious, were willingly dirtied for her sake. Tiffany propped her chin on her hand, grinning. “You’ve settled your score. Now it’s my turn.”

Richard raised an eyebrow. “Go ahead.”

Clearing her throat, Tiffany put on a mock-serious face. “You blamed me for not coming to you first. But when that scandal broke, why didn’t you do anything to solve it?”

It all came full circle.

Richard paused before smoothly replying, “My bad. Please forgive me, Mrs. Hampton.” He placed a peeled shrimp on her plate and explained everything.

In fact, when the scandal broke, he hadn’t been idle. He immediately investigated, trying to trace the source of the malicious photos. How could it be a coincidence that someone photographed Tiffany meeting Kenneth in the middle of the night? With their wedding the next day, the internet was rife with rumors and smear campaigns. Richard was certain someone was pulling strings.

Hearing his explanation, Tiffany didn’t press further. Just as Richard trusted her, she trusted him equally. There was no need for over-explaining; they simply believed in each other.

Tiffany continued eating while Richard fiddled with his phone. She didn’t think much of it until after the meal, when she checked her phone and saw the news and trending searches had exploded again. This time, it was because of a statement from Richard.

(The story continues)