Chapter 34
Sandra forced down the fear rising in her chest, trying to sound balm as she said, “Stop bluffing. I don’t believe you.”
“Then just wait and see if I’m bluffing, Tiffany replied, flashing a sinister smile.
Sandra shuddered. She couldn’t believe how much Tiffany had changed. The Tiffany she used to know was always easy to manipulate, but now it was like she was dealing with someone completely different.
Worried that Tiffany might actually kill her, Sandra kept glancing nervously at the door, hoping Kenneth would come in.
Tiffany noticed and asked c**ly, “What’s wrong? Waiting for Kenneth to show up so you can keep playing the victim?”
Sandra frowned, her face going pale as Tiffany hit the nail on the head.
Tiffany let go of her and casually grabbed a tissue to wipe her hands, a mocking smile on her lips. “If you really think someone as weak as Kenneth can protect you, then you’re even more foolish than I thought. The Harper family will never accept you, you know that?”
With that, Tiffany turned and walked out, leaving Sandra behind her face twisted with rage.
As much as she hated to admit it, Tiffany was right. The Harper family would never accept her. To them, she’d always be the girl from a lower class, unworthy of Kenneth. But if she could get pregnant with Kenneth’s child, then they’d have no choice but to accept her.
Sandra made up her mind right then-she would do whatever it took to have Kenneth’s baby.
At the hospital entrance, Kenneth had just picked up breakfast and was about to head upstairs when he spotted a familiar face. He quickly walked over, smiling as he called out, “Mr. Foster, long time no see. I heard your company’s been facing some troubles lately. If you need help, I’d be happy to assist in getting you out of this bind.”
Though young, Kenneth had been Ryan’s protégé since his teens, learning the ropes of the business directly from his father. With his keen eye, he saw Caleb as a creative genius-someone who could greatly enhance their company if they could bring him on board. And now, with Caleb’s company bankrupt and him scrambling to find money for his sick daughter, Kenneth figured his offer would be a godsend.
“No need. Our company’s crisis has been resolved, but I appreciate your concern, Mr. Harper.” Caleb gave a polite smile, then turned and walked away without any hint of wanting to pursue further conversation.
In Caleb’s eyes, Kenneth was no different from those who kick a man when he’s down, just waiting for him to hit rock bottom so they could squeeze every last penny out of buying his company. All this talk of help was nothing but a calculated move for personal gain.
In stark contrast, there was that girl-Tiffany-who had handed him one million two hundred thousand dollars without a single word of negotiation. She didn’t try to lowball him or take advantage of his desperate situation. She gave him the best terms possible and left without demanding anything more than phone call. She didn’t even leave her name, trusting him not to run off with the money in the dead of night.
Thinking of this, Caleb decided to call Tiffany. But before the call could connect, he ran into her at the elevator.
“Hi, I was just about to contact you!” Caleb exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. “The contract is ready. When would be a time for you to sign?”
Tiffany glanced at her watch,and said, “There’s a café nearby. Let’s go there.”
“Sounds good.” Caleb nodded.
Once they were seated in the café, Tiffany casually asked about his daughter’s health. Caleb explained that the surgery had gone well, and she would be able to come home in a couple of days to recover. Tiffany nodded, not asking anything further. She didn’t even glance at the contract before signing her name with a flourish.
Caleb couldn’t help but sigh. “You should at least take a look at the contract. Trusting people like this, you could easily get scammed.”
Tiffany smiled and said. “If I had doubts, I wouldn’t be working with you. I trust you.”
Then she added, “But keep this under wraps. Don’t mention that I’m the one behind the deal. Even if we run into each other elsewhere, act like we’re strangers. Got it?”
The one million and two hundred thousand dollars had been obtained from Stan, which was a secret. As for acquiring this company, Tiffany preferred to keep that under wraps as well.
“Understood,” Caleb replied promptly. He was proving to be an ideal business partner-no unnecessary questions, just efficiency. ith a smile, he asked, “By the way, what’s your name?”
Caleb couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless about the situation. He knew nothing about this young woman, yet she seemed to know quite a bit about him.
“Tiffany Kelley,” she introduced herself simply. Then, standing up to leave, she added, “I have to go now. If you need anything, just give me a call, Mr. Foster.”
“Alright, sure,” Caleb responded, a bit flustered,
It wasn’t until Tiffany had left that Caleb drew in a sharp breath. In Lovell City, Tiffany’s name was quite well-known, mostly because of the widely publicized engagement drama between her and Kenneth. Rumors painted her as a hopeless romantic. chasing relentlessly after a man who clearly wasn’t interested, turning herself into the butt of many jokes. These stories had tarnished her reputation, leading many to dismiss her as nothing more than a shallow, lovesick girl.
Caleb recalled hearing people mock Charlie at various social events, ridiculing his daughter as an empty-headed pretty who would throw away all dignity for a man, face
But the Tiffany he had just met exuded elegance and carried herself with decisive confidence. She was stunningly beautiful with a sharp, clear mind-outshining even Charlie himself.
“Gossip really can’t be trusted, not all,” he muttered to himself.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
When Tiffany returned home, she found Stan and Selena lingering at the entrance, their bags packed but showing no intention of leaving. It was clear they were hoping for a last-minute reprieve from Charlie
The house staff, tasked with seeing them out, looked conflicted and anxious, unsure of what to do. The moment they saw Tiffany walk in, their eyes lit up, and one of them called out, “Miss Kelley!”
“Ill handle this. You all can go about your business,” Tiffany said calmly.
Thank you, Miss Kelley!” the staff said and hurried away.
Tiffany turned her attention to Stan and Selena. With a cool, amused smile, she asked, “Stan, do you not feel even a little guilty when you see me? After all, it was you who arranged for me to be kidnapped. And now, instead of apologizing, you’re just focused on getting back in my father’s good graces?”