Chapter 656

“And then what?” Sidney, the straight man, asked with a pleading look. “What does this have to do with her ignoring me?”

Tiffany’s mouth twitched. Is he that stubborn? she thought.

“Of course,” said Tiffany. “Even if you’re honest, it won’t be the same when others hear it. Zoe might be overthinking, or you could think she’s jealous.”

There were some things she didn’t want to say, but Sidney and Zoe might continue arguing if she didn’t intervene.

“Jealous?” Sidney was stunned. His expression changed from confusion to surprise. “Really? Is she jealous because of this?”

If that’s the case, it means Zoe still has me in her heart, Sidney thought.

Tiffany laughed. “Then you should go to her house and take a look. Oh, right. You can try finding her at the warehouse where she works part-time if she’s not home.”

That warehouse was where the charitable foundation she founded used to receive goods. Winter was approaching, so she’d asked Zoe to purchase winter clothes to be shipped to the impoverished mountainous area.

Perhaps because of the busy purchasing, Zoe might be at the warehouse instead of school.

Sidney nodded repeatedly. “Alright, I’ll go and look for her.”

Tiffany gave him the address, then left school and got into John’s car. Watching Sidney speed off in his sports car, Tiffany raised an eyebrow and sighed imperceptibly. “Winter is coming…”

I wonder if I can hear some good news before winter comes, she thought.

Tiffany smiled and looked down at her vibrating phone. “Drive to the Kelley family,” she said.

“Yes, Mrs. Hampton,” John replied respectfully, starting the car immediately.

Tiffany’s phone was still vibrating. She tapped it and sent a kissing emoji to Richard, who was constantly sending messages to claim credit for winning the coal mine project and giving it to the Kelley family. Tiffany estimated Jeffrey, impatient as ever, was already on his way to the Kelley family to sign the project.

Chapter 650 (partial)

At Cedar Ridge Villa, Jeffrey hurried from his car toward the villa. Seeing only Thalia in the living room, he asked, “Where’s Charlie? Where’s the project contract?”

Thalia, slightly annoyed, replied, “Charlie is already on his way back from the company. There’s no hurry.”

“You’re right. No hurry,” said Jeffrey, though he fidgeted and frequently glanced outside with eager anticipation. The project was highly profitable; he wouldn't be at ease until he had it.

Thalia knew what he was thinking. Feeling helpless, she emphasized, “Jeffrey, this is the last time I help you.”

Charlie, usually good-tempered, was unusually sullen. He was angry at Thalia for not considering Tiffany and secretly agreeing to such a large deal with Jeffrey, especially involving Richard for personal gain. He worried the Hampton family would look down on Tiffany because of it.

Thalia was helpless; she’d tried to refuse Jeffrey but couldn’t resist his coaxing and pestering.

After about ten minutes, a car engine was heard.

“He’s finally back,” said Jeffrey, his face flushed with excitement.

Charlie strode in and took the project contract from his briefcase without speaking. Jeffrey reached for it, but Charlie dodged him.

“My son-in-law sent the project contract to my company,” Charlie said. “You can take all the mining rights as long as you sign it. I hope you remember this is a benefit given to you by my daughter and my son-in-law.” (He meant Jeffrey shouldn't forget his roots.)

“Alright, alright. Of course,” said Jeffrey, nodding repeatedly. He promised solemnly, “Tiffany is my niece. How could I forget her kindness? Don’t worry.”

That’s more like it, Charlie thought, handing over the document.

Jeffrey was about to sign when a smiling voice came from the door: “It’s quite lively.”

Everyone turned to see Tiffany leaning against the door. Her laughter was playful and casual. Thalia and Charlie, feeling inexplicably guilty, stood obediently like children who had misbehaved.

Tiffany walked over. Jeffrey’s eyes flashed; he quickly closed the document, holding it tightly. “You’re back, Tiffany. Alright, I’m off. I won’t disturb you anymore.” He left, looking high-spirited. The project was under the Kelley family’s name, taken from Richard; Tiffany wouldn’t know unless Thalia and Charlie told her.

Chapter 656 (continued)

Tiffany sat on the sofa, glanced at her parents, and asked, “How many times has it happened?”

“Wh… What?” Thalia and Charlie were stunned.

“How many times has Jeffrey squeezed the Kelley family dry and sucked our family’s blood?” Tiffany said bluntly.

Thalia lowered her head, embarrassed and aggrieved. “Tiffany, he’s your uncle, after all. My brother. Sometimes, being too clear can hurt feelings…”

Charlie, feeling bad for his wife and guilty toward his daughter, sighed. “Social customs and human relationships are difficult to handle.”

Tiffany didn’t comment. However, some favors depend on the person. Someone like Jeffrey isn’t worth it. Even brothers keep careful accounts. Private matters and public affairs shouldn’t be mixed; that way, relationships last longer, right? she thought.

Tiffany sighed. “Mom, I understand, but don’t forget how Stan and his family treated us. That’s a vivid example.”

At the mention of Stan’s family, Charlie and Thalia were stunned. They’d fulfilled all of Stan’s requests, just as they were now doing for Jeffrey. Stan’s family had simply become more extravagant, while Jeffrey was increasingly greedy, taking excessive cooperation from the Kelley family – huge losses. But Charlie and Thalia willingly gave it up.

Will Jeffrey be the next Stan? Charlie frowned, pondering the question.

Thalia pondered, then shook her head firmly. “Tiffany, it’s different. Stan is a relative, but your uncle Jeffrey is my brother.”

This cleaned-up version improves grammar, punctuation, and flow, making the narrative clearer and more engaging. It also removes the extraneous formatting characters.