Chapter 696

Hearing this, Flynn finally relaxed. He had already moved his family to Lovell City, ensuring future visits with Richard wouldn't be a problem.

"It's windy outside. Hurry and get in the car, or you'll catch a cold," Flynn said.

"Okay," Jennie nodded, climbing into the car.

As Flynn followed, a thought struck him. "By the way, what startled you earlier? Why did you scream?" He had been driving normally until Jennie's scream shocked him, causing him to accidentally hit the accelerator and rear-end Richard's car.

Jennie shook her head. "Sorry, Dad. I thought I saw something strange and panicked. I didn't mean to distract you."

"Silly girl, no need to apologize. I'm just glad you're okay." He teased her as they drove, a grin spreading across his face. "But really, who were you staring at? When daughters grow up, they're no longer their dads' little girls, huh?"

"Dad!" Jennie stomped her foot, her face flushing red. "I wasn't staring at anyone! And besides, I already told you the lady with him was his wife."

"You actually believe that?" Flynn shook his head. He didn't believe a man of Richard's status would have a much older wife; it didn't add up.

Jennie lowered her gaze, her cheeks still pink. "Daddy, stop teasing me! I wasn't staring at him! And I don't want to get married. I want to stay with you and Mom forever."

Flynn laughed. "We'll see about that. All girls grow up eventually." He changed the subject, his tone thoughtful. "By the way, if there's a chance, I'd love for you to meet Mr. Hampton. Jennie, you don't know much about the business world, but he's remarkable—so young, and already running a business empire."

Flynn rambled on, unaware of Jennie's furtive glances out the window.

Back at the Royal Bay, Tiffany was practically dragged upstairs. She struggled against Richard, but he held her firmly, kicked the door shut, carried her to the bed, and trapped her beneath him.

"Why are you avoiding me? Why are you mad at me?" Richard's intense gaze searched her face, desperate for answers. Tiffany smirked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Mr. Hampton, don't you feel disgusted looking at my old, ugly face?" Her disguise—dark skin, wrinkles, and age spots—made her look like a middle-aged woman.

"Do you really want to know?" His deep voice was unwavering. "Then let me show you." Without waiting for her response, he kissed her.

Tiffany froze. She hadn't expected him to still desire her, even in this state.

"Stop it! Let me go!" Her hands were pinned above her head as his kiss deepened. Tiffany's breath came hot and fast, her thoughts blurring. She bit her lip, trying to ground herself.

"Richard, stop! Let me wash my face first," she pleaded. But Richard didn't budge. Driven by bottled-up emotions, his control vanished. He clung to her as if she were his anchor, his actions fueled by a desperate need for reassurance.

"Stop!" Tiffany's flushed face and trembling voice begged him to listen, but he couldn't; the moment had taken over.

Tiffany bit Richard's shoulder hard; the taste of blood was sharp on her tongue. The pain snapped them both out of their trance. Richard pulled back, his expression a mix of frustration and helplessness. "Do you want me to carry you to the shower?"

"I'll go on my own," Tiffany said.

"Alright," Richard relented, stepping aside. He knew better than to push her; she was too stubborn.

Tiffany headed to the bathroom. As the steam fogged the mirror, she stared at her reflection and the aged disguise. She didn't want to remove the makeup. Her chest tightened as she thought about the girl in the car—the girl who bore a striking resemblance to her. Tiffany wanted to ask Richard about it but couldn't bring herself to speak. Before Jennie appeared, she had clung to the hope of a misunderstanding. But seeing Jennie today, seeing her face, shattered any doubt. The truth was undeniable.

Tiffany splashed hot water on her face, trying to steady herself, then stepped out of the bathroom.

"I'm not feeling well," she said.

Richard immediately moved closer, touching her forehead. "You're a little warm. Lie down. I'll call Sidney."

"Okay." Tiffany obediently went to the bed. While Richard was on the phone, Tiffany opened the cabinet, grabbed the Treasure Box, and slipped out the window unnoticed. By the time Richard realized she was gone, the bed was empty. Her scent lingered faintly, but she was nowhere to be found. For the first time, Richard stood frozen, staring at the open window with deep sadness.

At the Luna Villa, Tiffany returned, soaked from the rain. June looked startled to see her alone. "Ms. Kelley, where's Mr. Hampton? Didn't you tell him?"

"It's done," Tiffany said with a faint smile, handing the box to June before heading upstairs to shower. The cold rain had left her shivering. After changing into dry clothes, she barely had time to sit before a knock came at the door.

"Who is it?" Tiffany said.

June stepped in, asking, "Ms. Kelley, your cousin Molly is here. Should I let her in?"

Tiffany sighed in relief, thankful it wasn't Richard. "Sure, let her in."

"Yes, ma'am."

(The final "Chapter 696," "82%", "+5", "COMMENT," and other seemingly extraneous elements have been removed as they appear to be formatting or editing notes rather than part of the narrative.)