Chapter 646
The day passed quickly. News of Tiffany's early application for the examination spread rapidly through her school. Many scoffed and secretly mocked her for taking such a risk, especially given her recent unimpressive results. Only her previous first-place finish across the entire grade seemed noteworthy, leading many to suspect she had cheated.
Tiffany ignored the gossip; none dared to confront her directly.
After classes, John waited for her at the school gates. As soon as she sat in the car, he reported, "I have intel on your target. He went to the bar on Cornell Street ten minutes ago."
"Keep watching," Tiffany instructed.
"Yes, ma'am!" The car pulled away as the city lights began to illuminate the busy, crowded streets. The last rays of sunlight faded, giving way to a starlit night. Tiffany gazed out the window, lost in thought.
Her target was the man she'd seen harassing Daisy earlier. This same man, spurned by Daisy, had then lashed out at Molly, nearly causing her an accident. Tiffany was monitoring him to prevent further harm to Molly. She felt no obligation to protect the ungrateful Ruiz family, but Molly deserved better.
The car soon stopped at Royal Bay, Tiffany's home. The brightly lit house exuded luxury and impeccable order. Servants stood respectfully at the entrance, their scent of flowers faintly noticeable.
However, Tiffany paused, momentarily stunned. Hank sat rigidly on the large sofa, his gaze sharp and scrutinizing. A cooled coffee cup indicated he'd been there some time. Tiffany hesitated before approaching.
The Hampton family held many secrets, and Hank, a difficult man who'd previously clashed with her, presented a formidable challenge. A sense of unease settled over her.
Just as Tiffany was about to call for help, Hank looked up. "You're back," he said calmly, his tone devoid of malice, as if their past conflicts never happened.
"Yeah," Tiffany replied.
An awkward silence filled the room. Hank, accustomed to giving orders and maintaining a superior demeanor, clashed with Tiffany's reserved personality.
John's chest tightened. He discreetly retreated and called Richard. "Mr. Hampton is at Royal Bay!" His tone suggested a dire situation.
Richard, returning from the company, frowned upon receiving the call. He ordered his driver to speed up, adding, "Keep an eye on Tiffany."
"Yes!" John quickly hung up and positioned himself near Tiffany and Hank, close enough to intervene if necessary.
Surprisingly, Hank's demeanor softened. Though tense, he refrained from his usual outbursts. Instead, he instructed the butler to bring something forward.
It was a small sandalwood box, clearly expensive, containing something far more valuable. John was astonished.
Tiffany remained still as Hank handed her the box. "It's for you," he said calmly before leaving.
Tiffany was puzzled. He came just to give me a gift?
Curious, she opened the box. A diamond bracelet rested on red satin. It was exquisite and vibrantly beautiful, cold to the touch yet strangely warm near the diamonds. Tiffany knew it was priceless.
As she admired it, she heard a car engine. Richard arrived, his expression grim. "Did Hank trouble you?"
Tiffany shook her head. "No, he just spoke briefly and left. But he gave me this."
Richard saw the bracelet and nodded. "That's a family heirloom, passed down only to the mistress of the house. It's yours."
Tiffany was shocked. "Does this mean Mr. Harper acknowledges me?"
Richard chuckled. "It doesn't matter. As long as I'm here, you'll always be the mistress of this family."
Tiffany saw the burning love in Richard's eyes. She looped her arms around his neck, tiptoed, and kissed him. He deepened the kiss as the servant discreetly looked away.
John quietly slipped away, sighing at the display of affection. His bosses' intimacy was becoming a bit much.
He received a call from his subordinate watching Daisy. "What happened?"
"Sir, she's heavily drunk at the bar and causing a scene!"
John, instructed to report any incidents, asked, "Should I intervene?"
John hesitated before responding, "No. Just observe and report anything further."
"Yes!" The subordinate hung up.
At the bar, a very drunk Daisy was ranting, "Am I not beautiful? Am I not sexy? How am I inferior to that wretched girl? What right does she have to look down on me?"