Chapter 701
“That’s a beautiful name,” Calvin said, his heart racing. Trying to sound casual, he added, “I’m Calvin Murray. I’m the only son of the Murray family from Lovell City. I’ve been helping run the family business since I graduated last year.”
A few moments of small talk eased the tension between them.
“Let’s head inside. The Treasure Appraisal Conference is about to start,” Calvin said.
“Okay,” Jennie replied with a nod.
Just as she was about to follow Calvin, Jennie remembered her father. She turned back, quickly explaining, “Dad, you go ahead and shop. I’d like to check out the conference.”
“You…” Flynn hesitated, about to refuse, but Jennie interrupted.
“Dad, Mr. Hampton is attending. I might get a chance to talk to him and help you out.”
Hearing this, Flynn paused, then reluctantly agreed. “Alright, have fun, but call me immediately if you feel unwell.”
“Got it.” Jennie waved goodbye and hurried after Calvin.
The Treasure Appraisal Conference was held in the hotel’s grand hall. The expansive venue was lavishly decorated and could accommodate hundreds of attendees.
As soon as Jennie entered, her eyes scanned the room. The hall was filled with elegantly dressed guests, all chatting and laughing. Everyone present was wealthy, influential, or both.
But no matter how hard Jennie looked, she couldn’t spot the person she was looking for.
Meanwhile, Tiffany entered and went straight backstage. She greeted Frank warmly, saying, “Frank, long time no see.”
“It’s been quite a while,” Frank replied, his tone nostalgic. He recalled the day Tiffany had confidently applied for the role of appraisal master at Treasure Tower.
Back then, it seemed impossible that such a young woman would succeed. Yet, here she was, now the mastermind behind Treasure Tower.
“Miss Kelley, these are the accounts from the past six months, along with details about the charity projects funded by the auction. Please review them,” Frank said, handing over the documents.
Tiffany smiled and shook her head, gently pushing the papers back. “Frank, Treasure Tower has been your life’s work. If I doubted your abilities, I wouldn’t have kept you here. I trust you completely.”
Frank was visibly moved. Initially, he had worried about being replaced after the change in ownership. He’d even meticulously kept the books spotless, in case he had to leave.
But Tiffany’s unwavering trust erased those fears. “Thank you, Miss Kelley. I won’t let you down,” Frank said with conviction.
“Just call me Tiffany,” she replied with a smile. Taking several small glass bottles from her pocket, she added, “Here are ten spirit herbs. Let’s include them in the auction.”
Each herb was rare and invaluable. Auctioning them would undoubtedly attract bids from high-ranking officials and nobles at the conference.
Frank’s eyes lit up. “Understood,” he said, carefully taking the bottles.
With the matter settled, Tiffany exited the backstage area.
As she stepped into the hallway, she saw a tall figure at the other end, silhouetted in the light. Recognizing him instantly, Tiffany turned to leave. Before she could escape, he blocked her path.
In the narrow corridor, Richard caught Tiffany by the waist, pulling her into his arms. His face inched closer, and his deep voice teased, “Do you really hate seeing me that much?”
Tiffany’s expression remained cold. “Yes, I do,” she replied flatly.
After a pause, she added sarcastically, “Are you sure you’ve got the right person? Maybe take another lap outside and think about it.”
Ignoring Richard’s reaction, Tiffany wriggled free and strode back into the hall.
Richard frowned. Her words sounded almost jealous, but he didn’t understand why. He’d never looked at another woman.
Shaking his head, Richard followed Tiffany into the hall.
Inside, the room had grown quieter as most guests settled into their seats, awaiting the conference. When Tiffany and Richard entered, a hush fell over the room, followed by murmurs.
“Mr. Hampton is here!” someone whispered excitedly.
Jennie, standing near the back, turned at the sound of his name. Her breath caught as she saw the pair. Richard looked effortlessly handsome, while Tiffany was radiant and poised. Together, they seemed like a painting come to life.
Jennie’s hands clenched into fists, though her face remained impassive.
Calvin, oblivious to her reaction, leaned closer and whispered, “You’ve probably heard of Mr. Hampton. He’s a legend, a tycoon everyone admires. And that’s his wife, Tiffany. She’s the one who brushed you off at the door. Don’t let her bad temper bother you.”
When Calvin received no response, he glanced at Jennie and noticed her pale expression.
“Jennie, what’s wrong?” he asked.
“I’m fine,” she replied with a forced smile, hiding her feelings. But inside, she felt a pang of displeasure, especially at Calvin’s reference to Tiffany as Mrs. Hampton.
To everyone, Tiffany and Richard were inseparable, their names forever linked. It was truly enviable.
Jennie lowered her gaze, hiding her jealousy. She masked her emotions well, but her heart was in turmoil.
After a moment of silence, people began greeting Richard and Tiffany. Tiffany tried to find a quiet corner to sit, but someone grabbed her wrist.
The grip was gentle yet firm, pulling her backward. She stumbled, landing in Richard’s arms. A familiar scent surrounded her as she looked up at him, clearly annoyed. “What are you doing?” she snapped.
She wanted to remind him that their divorce agreement was ready to sign. Once he signed it, they would have nothing to do with each other.