Chapter 630

Morwen's tears were half feigned, half real. From the moment she first saw Richard years ago, she had resolved to marry him, believing herself the only woman worthy of him. Richard, head of the Hampton family and a man of immense power, and she, the prestigious saintess of the Azure Sea Royal Family, were, in her mind, destined to be together. But Tiffany's arrival had effortlessly usurped everything Morwen believed was rightfully hers, fueling bitter jealousy and hatred.

Morwen cried harder, gazing at Richard with desperate hope, searching his face for pity—finding none. The killing intent in Richard's eyes intensified. Coldly, he ordered, "Throw her into the river!" A nearby river offered the perfect location to punish the woman he deemed vile.

Guards immediately subdued Morwen. John, arriving shortly after hearing the news, paled. He was astonished Morwen had even gained entry to the tightly secured hotel; sneaking in, disguised or otherwise, was impossible. He couldn't fathom how she'd bypassed security and disrupted his boss's wedding. His heart sank; he nearly considered pleading for his life.

Richard's cold glance silenced John. Without hesitation, he had Morwen dragged away. Morwen screamed, but John covered her mouth, muffling her cries. As swiftly as she appeared, she was gone.

The commotion subsided. Charlie, at the head table, who'd been poised to intervene with a knife, finally relaxed, satisfied with the outcome. Another word from Morwen, and he would have eliminated her. He wouldn't let anyone ruin his daughter's wedding.

The Kelley family settled back into their seats. The music resumed, the reception continued. Tiffany remained calm; she anticipated such envious reactions and wasn't surprised by Morwen's actions. She smiled faintly and held Richard's hand. Then she noticed something odd: Richard shuddered briefly.

"Are you okay?" Tiffany whispered.

"I'm fine," Richard replied.

Feeling worried, Tiffany discreetly checked his pulse. It was slightly erratic, but otherwise normal. She cast a doubtful glance at him but decided against saying anything publicly. She suppressed her unease and let the ceremony continue.

Among the guests, Kenneth wore a complicated expression. In his finest suit, he watched Tiffany marry another man, unable even to speak to her. Regret gnawed at him. He'd believed he had a chance; he was proven wrong. Lowering his head, he sighed.

Earlier, when Morwen had burst in, Kenneth had anticipated the love poison taking effect, eagerly awaiting Richard's departure with Morwen, allowing him to console Tiffany. This selfish scheming disgusted him; he felt ashamed of his despicable actions. His calculations had failed; he felt both relieved and disappointed.

Morwen's fate was sealed—she would be thrown into the river. But Richard had taken the Double Love Poison. If Morwen died, would he? Kenneth couldn't bear to think further. Another question plagued him: Why hadn't the love poison worked? He'd seen Richard consume it; Morwen had been so confident. Why had nothing happened?

Morwen, bound and gagged, was equally confused. The cold river loomed, its icy waters glinting ominously. Thrown in, she would die. She struggled. "Mmm! Mmm! Let me go!" Her muffled cries were barely audible.

John, expressionless, commanded, "Throw her in."

"Yes, sir!" the guards responded.

With a push, Morwen tumbled into the river, her body bobbing in the icy depths.

Inside the hotel, as the reception neared its end, Richard suddenly stiffened. A sharp pain shot through his chest, as if something were eating him from within. His face paled; blood surged to his throat.

Tiffany noticed immediately. She steadied him. "What's happening? Are you unwell?"

Richard forced down the blood, masking his discomfort with a calm smile. "I'm fine."

But Tiffany knew something was wrong. Unease settled over her. Fortunately, the guests were occupied. Taking advantage of the lull, she summoned someone for her phone and called John.

John assumed Tiffany was calling to settle the score with Morwen. Before she could explain, he said, "Mrs. Hampton, it's done."

Unexpectedly, Tiffany ordered, "Pull her out of the river. Make sure she doesn't die."

John, though stunned, obeyed. Minutes later, Morwen was retrieved, barely alive. Weak and unable to move, she laughed wildly, as if anticipating this outcome.

"Did Richard order you to save me?" Morwen asked smugly. "Did he change his mind?"

John fought the urge to throw her back in, annoyed by her arrogance. He replied coldly, "You're mistaken. Mrs. Hampton ordered us to save you."

"Tiffany?" Morwen was incredulous. "What about Richard? Did he want me dead? He didn't care?"

Morwen's mind raced. Richard had taken the Double Love Poison. How could he be so indifferent? If she died, he wouldn't survive. How could he be so cruel?

John didn't reply. He had his men take Morwen to Tiffany.

In the hotel lounge, Tiffany waited. Her instincts told her something was wrong with Richard, something connected to Morwen.

Ten minutes later, John arrived, dragging Morwen