Chapter 48
That evening, Tiffany locked the door and rummaged through her bedroom. She remembered that she had several masks from years ago. Because she needed to use disguises for the treasure appraisal event to avoid being recognized.
Fortunately, the items were still there. Tiffany breathed a sigh of relief and cleaned the dusty masks carefully.
These masks were custom-made by James to fit her face perfectly. Once applied with makeup, even up close, it was nearly impossible to tell that it was a layer of faux skin.
Then Tiffany packed the items into her bag carefully. As she was about to lie down, she received a phone call. “Hello?” she answered.
“It’s me.” A magnetic, charming voice came through the phone.
Tiffany sat up abruptly and asked, “Richard?”
“Yes,” Richard replied. And he seemed to chuckle. “Surprised to hear from me?”
“No, not at all.” Tiffany yawned and casually asked, “What’s up so late?”
“Is the favor I asked for still valid?” Richard said.
“Of course,” Tiffany replied.
Richard had asked her for help the previous Friday when he dropped her off at home. Afterward, she had forgotten about it due to Sidney’s situation.
Since there were no classes the next day, but she had to attend the treasure appraisal event in the afternoon. So Tiffany asked tentatively, “What time tomorrow? I want to visit Zoe in the hospital first.”
“Let’s do it together. I’ll pick you up in the morning,” Richard said.
“Okay,” Tiffany replied. With the arrangement made, she agreed.
Since the appraisal event was in the afternoon, Tiffany could always find an excuse to slip away if needed.
The next morning, a car was indeed parked outside Cedar Ridge Villa.
Fortunately, Charlie had gone to the company early, and Thalia had taken Eric to his painting class, leaving Tiffany alone at home.
Otherwise, if the car belonging to the head of the Hampton family was seen by the Kelley couple, Tiffany didn’t know how she would explain it.
After a quick tidy-up, Tiffany got into the car.
Richard was sitting calmly in the backseat, looking at the laptop on his lap, seemingly in a video conference.
Tiffany didn’t dare to interrupt and waited quietly. A few minutes later, Richard closed the laptop.
Tiffany finally spoke. “Not busy today?”
“Not busy,” Richard said, placing a breakfast from a local eatery in front of Tiffany casually. “Try this new sandwich from Velvet & Vine.”
Tiffany’s eyes lit up. She enjoyed the meal during the drive.
After finishing and wiping her mouth, Tiffany couldn’t help but comment. “It’s great. Velvet & Vine has never disappointed.”
“In the future, if you want it, you can go anytime or have them deliver it to you,” Richard added.
“Sure.” Tiffany accepted without hesitation.
When they arrived at the hospital, only Zoe was still getting an IV drip.
Sidney was much better due to his strong constitution. After a night of rest, he had already left for work in Mercy Hospital.
Richard didn’t enter the ward but said, “I’ll find Sidney. Call me when you’re done.”
“Okay,” Tiffany replied.
When Tiffany entered the ward, Zoe looked pleasantly surprised and exclaimed, “Tiffany, I’ve been eagerly waiting for you to visit me!”
“Feeling better?” Tiffany asked.
“Much better! I’ll be going home after finishing these IV drips,” Zoe replied.
“That’s good,” Tiffany said.
Suddenly thinking of something, Tiffany asked, “By the way, which school are you at? I need to know for future reference.”
“I…” Zoe scratched her head, clearly struggling to lie. She stammered, “I haven’t been attending classes lately.”
‘Not attending?’ Tiffany thought. And she asked, almost connecting the dots immediately, “Could it be that you were expelled due to the kidnapping incident?”
“Yeah,” Zoe admitted with a hint of grievance. “The classmate I saved was ungrateful. She criticized me, saying I was foolish and deserved it. I couldn’t hold back and ended up getting expelled.”
Zoe then waved her hand, changing the topic. “Let’s not talk about her. What happened to those kidnappers?”
“They’re doing well, provided with food and accommodation, and allowed outside occasionally. They’ll be out in about ten years or so,” Tiffany said. “Does your family know you’ve been expelled?”
“No,” Zoe answered.
“Then, if they ask, just say you transferred schools,” Tiffany suggested.
“Got it.” Zoe nodded instinctively, then looked at Tiffany with confusion. “Wait, Tiffany, what do you mean by that?”
“It means, since you’ve pledged loyalty, I’m not going to treat you poorly.” Tiffany smiled and rubbed Zoe’s head. “Come to Lovell City’s school tomorrow. I’ll handle the enrollment application and everything else for you.”
“Great!” Zoe, not one to be overly sentimental, readily agreed. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
After sitting for a while, Tiffany left. Just as she exited Zoe’s ward Richard and Sidney happened to arrive.
“All done?” Richard asked, raising an eyebrow.
Tiffany nodded.
The next second, Sidney, who was about to speak to Richard, found himself ignored as Richard whisked Tiffany away without a second glance.
Sidney sighed, feeling a chill in his heart. ‘What’s with this sudden sense of abandonment?’
When they left the hospital, it was just noon. Richard didn’t bring up any business and took Tiffany to lunch.
Instead of Velvet & Vine, they went to another famous place in Lovell City known for its pizza. The meal was both visually appealing and delicious.
Tiffany loved pizza, so she enjoyed the meal immensely.
It was strange how everything Richard picked for Tiffany seemed to match her tastes perfectly, almost as if he knew her preferences well.
Of course, Tiffany never read too much into it. She just thought Richard’s tastes were similar to hers, a coincidence.
After they finished eating, Richard paid the bill. Not seeing any indication of business talk, Tiffany asked, “You mentioned needing my help. What exactly do you need?”
“You’ll find out when we get there,” Richard replied.
However, Tiffany was stunned when they arrived. Richard had taken her to the very venue of the treasure appraisal event
Tiffany had been trying to figure out a way to sneak into the event. She didn’t expect Richard to bring her directly to the location.
Only Tiffany could do was to think, ‘Richard forever!”