Chapter 700

Richard left without a word, not even glancing at Jennie. Her smile froze, a flush of humiliation burning her face as if she'd been slapped. The embarrassment was unbearable.

Just then, Flynn hurried down the stairs, worry etched on his face. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Jennie replied.

"Thank goodness," Flynn sighed in relief. Then, puzzled, he asked, "Why did you fall? I barely tugged you."

"Dad, it's my shoes," Jennie explained. "They're not very stable, and I lost my balance."

"That's my fault. I shouldn't have pulled you. I'm just glad you're okay." Flynn frowned, guilt evident. "Come on, let's leave. We can't get in anyway. I'll take you shopping instead."

As Flynn started walking, Jennie hesitated, her expression conflicted.

"Dad," she said hesitantly, "it feels like such a waste to leave. Why don't we try speaking to the shopkeeper? If they know we're from the Vallgren family, they might let us in."

Flynn stopped and shook his head. "Absolutely not." It was beneath them to ask for favors.

"But Dad," Jennie protested.

"Let's go," Flynn insisted.

Jennie sighed but didn't push further. She followed reluctantly, trailing behind as they headed toward the hotel entrance.

Just then, a sleek luxury car pulled up. Jennie stopped, her curiosity piqued. The car door opened, and a young woman stepped out, casually dressed in a white sweater and slim-fit jeans. Despite her simple outfit, she exuded elegance, her movements poised and confident. Tiffany's aura was magnetic, commanding attention effortlessly. She seemed to belong to a different world, unreachable and untouchable.

As she climbed the stairs, Tiffany paused, sensing a gaze. She turned and locked eyes with Jennie. Startled, Jennie quickly composed herself, offering a sweet, innocent smile.

Tiffany barely reacted, glancing away indifferently and resuming her ascent. June, following closely, instinctively offered assistance.

"Miss Kelley, please be careful," June said softly.

Tiffany stopped, her expression serious. "I appreciate your concern, but don't let it show. We can't afford to let anyone notice anything unusual about me."

June froze, a chill running down her spine. Tiffany's words were a stark reminder that any visible weakness could be exploited.

"I'm sorry, Miss. I'll be more careful," June said, bowing her head.

"Good," Tiffany replied calmly, stepping onto the first stair.

They continued toward the entrance, but a voice called out, "Wait!"

Jennie ran after them, slightly out of breath. "Excuse me," she said politely. "Are you here for the Treasure Appraisal Conference? My name is Jennie Vallgren. Could you take me in with you?"

Tiffany didn't respond immediately. Her expression remained cool and distant.

"No," she said flatly, leaving no room for negotiation.

Jennie looked taken aback. "But—"

Tiffany's gaze was icy. "I've already said no. Do I need to repeat myself?"

Jennie's eyes welled with tears. She stammered an apology, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

Her pitiful expression drew attention, and a nearby guest, a wealthy young man, intervened.

"Miss Kelley, aren't you being a bit harsh? Is this how the Kelley family treats people? You act like you own Treasure Tower. You don't have the authority to deny people entry."

Tiffany remained unfazed. Her calm gaze swept over him dismissively.

June, however, was less composed. She raised her chin, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Mr. Murray, it's amusing to hear you talk about behavior. Did you inherit that habit of spouting nonsense from your father?"

Calvin flushed with anger. "I just can't stand seeing someone bully others like this!"

"Bullying?" June scoffed. "You've got it wrong. Refusing someone's inappropriate request isn't bullying. Or are you suggesting Miss Kelley is obligated to cater to anyone thick-skinned enough to ask for a favor? That's called moral coercion, not kindness."

June's words were sharp and precise, leaving Calvin flustered. He sputtered, "I don't argue with women. It's pointless."

"What a coincidence," June said. "I don't waste time on fools either."

Calvin's face turned crimson with fury. "Who are you calling a fool?"

"You said it, not me." June smirked. Tiffany and June entered the hotel without showing invitations.

Calvin's anger softened when he saw Jennie's teary, worried gaze. "Don't cry," he said gently. "I'll take you in. With me here, no one will give you trouble."

"Thank you." Jennie managed a radiant smile through her tears.

Calvin blinked, momentarily speechless, then stepped closer. "What's your name?"

"Jennie," she replied sweetly. "I've been frail since childhood, so my parents gave me a simple name. I'm sorry about that."

The passage is now grammatically correct, with improved punctuation and flow. Word choices have been refined for clarity and impact. The unnecessary "1/3" and "2/3" notations and the "+5" and time stamp have been removed as they are not part of the narrative.