Chapter 703

From the lingering fragrance, Tiffany knew Richard and Jennie had spoken. She lowered her eyes, a bitter smile playing on her lips. In her past life, there might have been something between them; if so, she would have been the third party.

June had previously cautioned her about the hasty divorce, but Tiffany now realized it might have been the right decision. Without hesitation, she turned to leave. She had already delivered the spirit herbs to Treasure Tower, securing business for six months and allowing her a hands-off role.

"Miss, are you leaving now?" June asked.

"Yes," Tiffany replied, nodding.

"I'll get the car," June said.

"Alright."

Tiffany waited at the entrance when Calvin, the Murray family's only son, stormed out, his face contorted with anger.

"Why did Jennie leave without saying goodbye? Did you do something to her?" he demanded.

"And how is that my problem?" Tiffany responded icily.

"You're bullying her!" Calvin accused. He had searched for Jennie after her disappearance, only to learn from a waiter that she had been sent to the hospital after falling ill. Seeing Tiffany reignited his fury.

He raised his hand to strike, but Richard caught his wrist.

"Who do you think you're touching?" Richard's voice was cold and deadly.

The atmosphere froze. Calvin paled, paralyzed by Richard's intense, suffocating gaze. The murderous aura emanating from Richard drained his strength.

"Mr. Hampton," Calvin stammered, belatedly realizing his mistake. Blinded by anger, he had forgotten who Tiffany was. Facing Richard's wrath, he understood the potential consequences for himself and his family.

"I'm sorry! I was wrong, Mr. Hampton! Please, spare me!" he begged, his voice trembling.

Richard tightened his grip, the sound of cracking bones eliciting a yelp of pain from Calvin. With a look of disdain, Richard released him. "Take him back to the Murray family," he ordered John. "And cripple one of his hands in front of Alijah Murray as a warning."

"Yes, sir!"

John signaled his men, who dragged the crying Calvin to a waiting car. The vehicle sped off towards the Murray estate.

Tiffany stepped back, putting distance between herself and Richard. "Thank you for your help, Mr. Hampton," she said politely, her tone distant. "But you've likely made an enemy of the Murray family."

Richard frowned, disliking her formal address. "It's just the Murray family," he replied flatly. "He should be thankful he didn't actually touch you."

His tone implied far more severe consequences had Calvin touched her. Tiffany was startled by his words and the intensity of his gaze. When their eyes met, she saw her reflection in his dark pupils; his expression was unwavering and resolute. While this might have pleased her in the past, she quickly averted her gaze.

"Thank you," she said softly before hurrying down the steps.

June pulled up the car, and Tiffany got in without hesitation.

"Let's go," Tiffany said.

"Yes, Miss."

As June drove away, she glanced at Richard in the rearview mirror. "Miss Kelley," she began cautiously, "what happened between you and Mr. Hampton? Was it a misunderstanding?"

Richard remained rooted to the spot, his upright silhouette appearing lonely and desolate.

June, despite being an outsider, felt compelled to ask. Tiffany remained silent, staring out the window. Finally, she spoke softly, her voice distant. "It's not a misunderstanding," she said. "I just think everything that's happening now is a mistake."

June hesitated to press further, but the memory of Jennie crossed her mind. "Miss Kelley, is it because of that woman, Jennie?"

Tiffany's silence was an answer. June knew something was amiss. Tiffany was not normally hostile, even to rude strangers. But at the hotel entrance, her cold gaze towards Jennie had been unmistakable.

June's grip tightened on the steering wheel. Jennie's striking resemblance to Tiffany—mannerisms, smile—sent a chill down her spine.