June nced at Tiffany. “Miss Kelley, are you nning to go?”
Tiffany paused for a moment before replying, “<b>Yes</b><b>, </b>I’ll go.”
This shop was under her name now, and if she didn’t show up, Frank, the shopkeeper of Treasure Tower<b>, </b>would definitely grumble.
June nodded. “Understood.”
“Wait,” Tiffany added. “Didn’t I make some beauty and anti–aging spirit herbs a while back? Bring ten of them for the
auction.”
The attendees at the conference would all be from the upper ss, business magnates and wealthydies. It wouldn’t hurt to use the event as a marketing opportunity.
June chuckled. “Got it, Miss Kelley.”
When news spread that Tiffany would personally attend the event, Frank was thrilled.
“Everyone, be on your best behavior tomorrow. We can’t afford any mistakes!” Frank dered.
One of the staff members said skeptically, “Why all the fuss? She’s just a young girl. You never acted like this when Mr. Ashton was in charge.”
It was no secret among the staff that Tiffany was only a nominal appraiser at Treasure Tower. Now, this be their boss, it was hard for some of them to take her seriously.
young
woman had
Frank snapped. “What do you know? If anyone here thinks they can disrespect the new boss, let me know, and I’ll <b>settle </b>your sry so you can leave!”
Frank had seen firsthand how formidable Tiffany was. Not only was she part of the influential Kelley family and Richard’s wife, but her status extended far beyond what anyone here could imagine. Frank was just grateful he hadn’t treated her poorly in the past.
Under his stern warning, the staff begrudgingly prepared for the conference, though their attitudes remained mixed.
The next day arrived with a light drizzle, but the fresh air only added to the excitement.
The Treasure Appraisal Conference was held in a grand banquet hall. Alongside rare antiques, Tiffany’s ten beautifying spirit herbs were also listed for auction. Rumors about the herbs‘ age–defying effects had already stirred excitement, especially among the wealthydies in attendance.
The hall buzzed with activity as guests arrived in pairs and groups, filling the venue quickly.
Flynn had just moved to Lovell City and, upon hearing about the event, decided to attend with his daughter, Jennie.
On their way to the hotel, Jennie, dressed in a delicate pink dress, asked curiously, “Dad, is it true that those spirit herbs can really make you look younger?”
Flynn chuckled and patted her head affectionately. “I wouldn’t know, but I do know my daughter doesn’t need them. <b><i>You’re </i></b>already beautiful enough to outshine anyone.”
“Daddy.” Jennie blushed, embarrassed by his loud praise, which had drawn the attention of passersby.
Flynnughed heartily, clearly amused.
<b>+5 </b>
When they arrived at the entrance, however, they were stopped by a staff member.
“Apologies, sir, but you’ll need an invitation to enter the conference,” the attendant exined politely.
They couldn’t allow the possibily of any unwanted persons to ruin the auction.
Flynn frowned. “No exceptions?”
Flynn’s face darkened. Being turned away was a blow to his pride, especially <b>as </b>someone with a notable reputation in the business world.
The attendant said apologetically, “I’m sorry.”
Seeing her father getting upset, Jennie quickly tugged his arm. “<b>Let’s </b><b>just </b><b>leave</b>, Dad. I wasn’t that interested anyway.”
Flynn hesitated before sighing. “Fine.”
As they turned to leave, a sleek ck luxury car pulled up to the entrance.
John stepped out, opening the door with practiced grace. “Mr. Hampton, we’ve arrived. I’ve heard Mrs Hampton may also be attending this conference today.”
Richard Hampton stepped out of the car, his expression calm but thoughtful.
Memories of a previous conference with Tiffany flickered in his mind, how she had sneaked off under the pretense of needing the restroom, only to reappear hourster as the master appraiser. She had been so serious and so clever. A faint smile touched Richard’s lips at the memory, but it quickly faded as he refocused on the present.
Flynn, recognizing Richard, immediately seized the opportunity. Pulling his daughter along, Flynn approached with a ttering smile. “Mr. Hampton! What a coincidence to see you here. Are you also attending the Treasure Ap aisal Conference? Why don’t we go in together?”
John barely contained an eye–roll at Flynn’s audacity.
Richard’s reply was curt. “No, thank you.”
Richard brushed past them without a second nce.
Flynn’s <b>face </b>stiffened at being dismissed so easily. Desperate to salvage the moment, he tugged Jennie forward, hoping she could smooth things over.
Unfortunately, the light tug caused Jennie to lose her bnce, and she stumbled forward, tumbling down the steps. N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
“Ah!” Jennie cried out <b>as </b>she fell directly toward Richard.
Richard, without breaking stride, sidestepped her effortlessly, his <b>face </b>expressionless.
Jenniended awkwardly but <b>was </b>quickly caught by a nearby hotel security guard.
“Be careful, Miss<b>,</b><b>” </b>the guard said, helping her stand.
Jennie <b>was </b>helped to her <b>feet</b><b>, </b>her face pale and uneasy. Despite her <b>fear</b><b>, </b>she managed a timid, “Thank <b>you</b>.<b>” </b>
“You’re wee<b>,” </b>the hotel security guards replied with friendly smiles before returning <b>to </b><b>their </b>posts.
Jennie winced, touching her sprained <b>foot</b><b>, </b>and <b>nced </b>up at <b>the </b><b>steps</b>.
<b>Richard </b>was <b>nowhere </b><b>to </b><b>be </b>found.