The moment Tiffany spoke, Sandra knew trouble was brewing. But she couldn't stop Tiffany from recounting the incident. Tiffany didn't exaggerate, but her innocent tone made her seem even more calculating.
"No, I didn't. It was a misunderstanding," Tiffany said. Sandra immediately interjected, "Our paintings were so similar, even the master said so. That's how the mix-up happened. I've already apologized. This is just a misunderstanding. Tiffany, please don't let others sow discord. They just want us to fight." Sandra looked at Tiffany with a worried, helpless expression.
"Is that so?" Tiffany said with a faint smile. "But why do I remember my painting disappearing from my room? Oh, I get it. You must have wanted to help me win Mr. Fremont's favor, so you sent my painting ahead, right? You should have told me. I almost misunderstood your good intentions."
Tiffany's sudden realization was mirrored by the darkening expressions on Charlie and Thalia's faces.
After dinner, having sent the children to bed and dismissed the servants, Thalia turned to Charlie, snapping, "This is all your fault! You insisted on bringing that family here. Now look! Your so-called brother and sister-in-law are trying to ruin us! And their daughter—what was she plotting? She even seduced Tiffany's fiancé!" Fortunately, they had already broken off the engagement with the Harper family. Otherwise, Thalia would have been even more furious.
Seeing his wife's distress, Charlie quickly appeased her. "Don't be angry. Calm down. It's my fault. But wouldn't kicking them out be too harsh?"
If they were an ordinary family, it would be simple. They could do as they pleased. But they were prominent figures in the business community. Any scandal would be blown out of proportion, affecting the company's stock and interests. Therefore, they couldn't act rashly.
"Hmph, that's your problem," Thalia said. A headache returned, and she didn't want to deal with Charlie anymore. Rubbing her temples, she headed to the bedroom. Before entering, she snapped, "You're sleeping alone tonight!"
It was pure torture for him.
Charlie groaned as the door slammed shut, leaving him outside. Just then, Eric walked by with a cup of hot milk, casting a disdainful glance at his father. "I've never seen anyone so clueless!" he teased.
"You rascal!" Charlie shouted, pretending to chase him. Eric quickly slipped into Tiffany's room, sticking out his tongue before sweetly offering his sister milk. At that moment, Charlie realized his own low status in the family.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Tiffany kept her promise, spending the next few days entertaining Eric. They visited amusement parks, arcades, went horseback riding, and shooting. Keeping a child happy was easy; as long as she was with him, Eric was all smiles.
But on the fourth day, Tiffany received a call from Frank, the manager of Treasure Tower. She had been so focused on Royal Bay lately (the situation with Richard's nephew was critical) that she'd almost forgotten her position there. She hurriedly apologized. "I'm sorry, Mr. Frank. I've been busy with exams and almost forgot."
"It's fine," Frank said, "but we have a big client tomorrow who specifically requested a female appraiser. Are you available?" (He asked out of courtesy; she'd have gone even if she wasn't free.)
Tiffany replied, "No problem. I'll go directly to the client. Please send me the address and details."
Two minutes later, Tiffany was dumbfounded. The client was Hark Hampton, the legendary head of the Hampton family. She'd never met him in either of her lifetimes; rumors painted him as difficult, with a vast collection of antiques.
Though surprised, Tiffany wouldn't back out. She needed the income.
The next day, Tiffany made an excuse to leave, disguising herself to appear unremarkable. If her usual appearance was refined, this was entirely ordinary.
Satisfied with the transformation, she was picked up by the Treasure Tower car. Frank knew the importance of this appointment and had arranged special transport. They drove to Hampton Manor.
The old mansion was unlike Richard's Royal Bay residence—a massive estate, almost like half a royal palace. Its classical architecture was imposing. Tiffany, though amazed, remained composed.
After stating her purpose, she was led through the estate. The servant brought her to Mr. Hampton. She lowered her eyes and greeted him politely, "Good morning, Mr. Hampton. I'm the appraiser from Treasure Tower." She looked up and met his deep gaze. (The final two sentences referencing FindNovel.net were removed as they are irrelevant to the text's content and appear to be promotional.)