Chapter 575 When Tiffany looked up, her gaze inadvertently collided with Eddie's.
He didn't shy away but instead called out enthusiastically, "Hi, Tiffany!" "Hello." Tiffany offered a polite smile, barely lifting the corners of her lips before Richard stepped in front of her, seamlessly blocking Eddie's view.
'What an overbearing, possessive, jealous man he is!' Tiffany thought.
Tiffany found it a little amusing but chose not to comment. Instead, she turned and headed back to the changing room to switch out of the wedding dress she was trying on.
Once she was out of sight, Eddie lounged back in a chair, exuding an air of lazy confidence. He glanced at Richard with a knowing grin. "The measurements you provided were spot on." Everyone he designed for had to be measured by him personally.
Only then could he truly create a custom dress that would perfectly suit the other party's needs.
This was his occupational habit.
Of course, he was no hooligan. He measured with a ruler, always behaving like a gentleman-no inappropriate intentions whatsoever.
Even so, Richard had vetoed Eddie's offer to take Tiffany's measurements without a second thought.
From that alone, Eddie could see just how much Richard doted on and protected Tiffany. It was clear Richard didn't even want anyone else to look at her, let alone touch her.
Eddie couldn't help but muse, If Richard could, Richard would probably tuck her into his pocket and keep her hidden away from the world.
Richard raised an eyebrow and replied unabashedly, "Of course After all, no one else would know his wife's measurements better than him.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"You haven't changed a bit,” Eddie said with a laugh, playfully punching Richard's shoulder. Then, as if remembering something important, he added, "And don't forget to settle the bill." His designs didn't ccheap! Richard smiled.
Their banter didn't touch on business or the latest happenings but carried a rare warmth and ease between old friends.
As Tiffany emerged from the changing room, she caught snippets of their conversation, She raised her eyebrows slightly, surprised by the casual camaraderie between the two men.
Eddie turned and noticed her outfit-a school uniform-and let out a low whistle. "Tiffany still in school?" The way his eyes flicked to Richard spoke volumes-a teasing glint of the innocent young Tiffany being "captured" by a practised hunter, Richard.
Tiffany nodded and walked over to Richard without hesitation.
"Hungry? Richard asked softly, ignoring Eddie's antics. His hand reached out to pinch her cheek. Before she could answer, he slipped his arm around her waist, steering her protectively toward the door.
Eddie called out behind them, grinning, "Don't forget to pay up Tiffany could not help but feel amused. When she got into the car, she asked curiously, "Is that your friend?" "Well, a money-grubber." Tiffany burst out laughing. A designer who had risen to such prominence surely didn't lack money-so how, now that he had fand status, could he still be so fixated on it? Sensing her doubt, Richard explained, "A few years ago, before he becfamous, a woman he was in love with left him for someone else." It hit Eddie hard. Ever since, the only way he felt secure was by watching his bank balance grow.
"I see..." Tiffany mused with a shrug, then let the matter drop.
They headed to dinner hand in hand. Richard had reserved an entire restaurant for the evening, but as they drove past Maximus Restaurant, Tiffany suddenly called out, "Let's stop here and eat at Uncle Owen's restaurant, okay?" Maximus Restaurant had lost sclientele after Morwen's previous schemes to cause trouble there. While the damage hadn't been catastrophic, Tiffany still felt partly responsible.
No matter what, this matter started because of her. Now that an opportunity presented itself to increase Maximus Restaurant's exposure, she wasn't about to let it slip by.
Richard, as usual, had no objections.
"As you wish," he said with a faint smile.
Hearing this, John, their driver, pulled over at once.
Tiffany immediately tugged Richard by the hand and led him into Maximus Restaurant.
As soon as they entered, many people recognized Richard, and a ripple of recognition spread through the crowd. After all, in the entire Lovell City, everyone would want to build a relationship with Richard, a man of such influence in Lovell City.
Excited whispers broke out, and sguests looked eager to approach him.
However, Richard's sharp, cool gaze and commanding presence kept most at bay.
Instead of heading to a private room, Tiffany chose a cozy window seat on the second floor. She casually summoned a waiter and placed their order.
The dishes hadn't yet arrived when Owen, the restaurant owner, hurried over, looking flustered "Mr. Hampton..." he stammered nervously, his voice wavering.
Tiffany waved her hand and gave him a playful wink. "Uncle Owen, there's no need to be so formal. We're all family here." She raised her voice slightly on the words "all family", ensuring that others in the restaurant could hear.
Owen froze for a moment, his eyes darting to Richard for confirmation. Seeing no objection-only a soft, indulgent expression as Richard watched Tiffany-Owen relaxed.
He quickly realized that Tiffany had chere deliberately to support his business and make a statement. Gratefulness filled his heart, and he really appreciated Tiffany's thoughtfulness.
Owen had mixed feelings, but he didn't press further. He gave a gentle nod and turned to instruct the kitchen staff to prepare the food properly, ensuring no detail was overlooked.
It had to be said, the flavors at Maximus Restaurant were exceptional, living up to its stellar reputation. After they had eaten and drunk, Tiffany and Richard left together.
With Richard's presence today, all the negative rumors surrounding Maximus Restaurant could finally be dispelled. The endorsement would likely reduce any resistance against the restaurant, and Owen's business was sure to thrive in the coming days! The car slowly stopped.
Cedar Ridge Villa was in sight.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Good night!" Tiffany was just about to get out of the car when Richard grabbed her hand.
She turned back to see Richard wrinkling his nose. "Not coming to my place?" Tiffany froze.
"The wedding is only a few days away. Couldn't he bear it for just a little longer without making every day all about that?' she thought speechless. She snorted. "You wish!" With that, she bolted out of the car, afraid he might pull her back if she hesitated even a second longer.
Richard chuckled softly, watching her retreating figure as she disappeared through the villa gate. Only then did he instruct, "Let's go." "Yes, Mr. Hampton.” John immediately restarted the car.
Inside Cedar Ridge Villa, Tiffany crept upstairs as lightly as possible, but the sound still carried.
Thalia emerged from the master bedroom on the first floor, looking surprised. "Huh? Tiffany, why are you back?" "Mom..." Tiffany's face turned crimson. “It's not like I stay out all the time..." To her surprise, Thalia corrected her seriously. "It's not called staying out. It's called improving your relationship with Richard."
They were already engaged, after all.
Despite the not-so-pleasant bumps along the way; the engagement process had been completed, and the marriage contract was officially valid. It was honorable and clear-what was there to be shy about?
Tiffany couldn't help but chuckle, a mix of embarrassment and m amusement. She knew her mother had always been extremely fond of Richard. She didn't dare argue and only nodded obediently. "Got it!" With that, she fled back to her room.
Thalia shook her head with a helpless smile. Her gaze was warm and affectionate.
The first thing Tiffany did upon entering her room was to take a bath.
She sank into the warm water, letting it soothe her weary limbs and relax her body completely.
The sensation of warmth enveloping her was pure bliss.
Tiffany let out a lazy sigh, her face glowing with contentment.
But then a sudden thought struck her.
Wait... In the last few times of passion Richard and I had, we didn't seem to take any precautions... she thought.