Chapter 12 An Unpleasant Conversation

Because of the upset last night, Tiffany absolutely did not want to have breakfast with Mortimer. She woke up at the crack of dawn, wanting to have breakfast early. Coincidentally, Mortimer had woken up early too. When she walked into the dining room, he was slicing the egg on his plate into pieces of the same size. His fingers were long and slender, just like the exquisitely carved sculptures in an art museum. There were no flaws to be seen. Tiffany wanted to turn and leave, but Monroe had already spotted her. “Madam, you and the master really do have chemistry. You’re both having breakfast at around the same time.” Tiffany’s voice was barely a whisper as she said, “Who would want to have chemistry with the devil?” With the distance between her and Mortimer, there was no way that he could have heard it. But when Mortimer’s gaze brushed over her face, she felt a little embarrassed. She sat down unwillingly, and Monroe explained today’s breakfast to her. “You didn’t have much of an appetite yesterday, so I specially prepared waffles and maple syrup for you. I also made you some delicious roasted coffee.” Tiffany vaguely remembered the doctor saying that pregnant women had to decrease their caffeine intake and said, “Could you please substitute the coffee with milk?” “But don’t you love drinking coffee the most?” “I… I have some trouble sleeping lately. I’m afraid that I won't be able to sleep at night after drinking coffee.” Tiffany’s eyes flashed as she spoke. She was deeply afraid that Mortimer would see through her excuse. Thankfully, Monroe was considerate and did not ask any more questions. He brought over a glass of warm milk. As Tiffany was sipping the milk, Mortimer suddenly coughed, scaring her so much that she nearly tipped over the glass. Mortimer was a little upset by her reaction. Was she so afraid of him? As he let the maid clear up the breakfast, he placed something in front of Tiffany. It was a check worth fifty thousand dollars. “There is no longer any need to mend your dress. Think of this money as my way of making it up to you.” Tiffany wished to boldly shred the check into pieces and fling it into Mortimer’s face like in the movies, but in reality, the consequences would be dire if she did it. She grasped the check. “That dress isn’t worth this much. I’ll transfer the remaining money into your account.” “There’s no need. Just think of it as your medical fees. As for what happened yesterday, I—” Mortimer paused, glancing at the bruise on Tiffany’s wrist, “—was a little rash.” Tiffany was stunned. Was he apologizing to her? Mortimer looked awkward as Tiffany stared at him intently. He rubbed his chin, then returned to his cold, aloof self. He said lightly, “I’ve already given you the necessary money. You had better control that mouth of yours when meeting my mother later. Understand what you can or cannot say.” Tiffany’s temper had cooled down considerably, but once she heard this, she bit her lip hard. It was no wonder that he was suddenly being so nice to her. He was just worried that she would tell Madam Kelly about what he had done. On the way to the old villa, Tiffany bottled up her anger. She did not speak to Mortimer, and he remained silent. Monroe, who was sitting in the front seat, couldn’t help but shake his head when he watched them through the rearview mirror. These two were not candid at all. He felt weary on their behalf. The villa was already full of people when they arrived. They were mostly members of the Campbell family. They were all here in the name of a visit, though they actually wanted to find out how well Mortimer was recovering, and how far he and Tiffany had gone in their relationship. After all, the news of Tiffany telling Lucia off had spread rather quickly. Tiffany did not like social gatherings like these, and she liked their inquisitive glances even less. She was noticeably uneasy. Mortimer silently moved toward her and threw a glance at those ill-intentioned guests. Tiffany at once felt much more relieved. Madam Kelly looked at them standing side by side and smiled contentedly. Out of concern, she said, “I hear that you’re already back at work. You must take good care of your body. Don’t worry too much.” Although Madam Kelly took great care of her complexion, no one could beat the claws of age. Mortimer looked at the wrinkles around her eyes and felt moved. He could no longer say the things that had been brewing in his heart. At last, he held Madam Kelly’s hand and said softly, “Don’t worry. I know how to handle things.” Madam Kelly was pleased. She knew that Mortimer was her most considerate son. She never had to worry about him. She then looked at Tiffany and said, “Mortimer was busy with his business in the past and has never dated anyone. Naturally, he will not be caring enough in some aspects. Do go easy on him. But if he dares to hurt you like before again, tell me. I will not be biased. I’ll demand justice for you!” Tiffany wished to refute how Mortimer had never been with a woman before. Hadn’t she seen Lucia flirting with him? It seemed that Mortimer had hidden quite a few things from his mother. Madam Kelly continued, “I also know about NC Company. That debt was acquired by your father, and the law doesn’t say anything about a father’s debt passing on to his daughter. As long as you stay hidden, those debt collectors will not be able to hassle you. You can just take care of Mortimer. Don’t let these frustrating things concern you.” Tiffany knew very well that Madam Kelly had let her marry into the Campbell family because she did not have any background and was easy to control. However, she had no desire to spend her life in the shadows of other people. She mustered up her courage and said, “The company is the result of my parents’ hard work. I don’t wish to see it deteriorate like this. Please give me a chance. Let me turn the tide.” Alric said doubtfully, “But your father owes five hundred million dollars! What ability do you have to pay this large sum?” “Would you be thinking of making us give you that money?” Harriet asked at once. “Of course not,” Tiffany denied resolutely. Seeing that Alric was still doubtful, she said with a tone that mocked herself, “I know where I stand.” Madam Kelly suddenly had an idea. She glared at Alric and then raised her voice. “Tiffany, how could you say that? As long as you give Mortimer a child, whatever amount you ask will not be a problem.” Tiffany instinctively placed a hand on her belly and looked at Mortimer from the corner of her eyes. Mortimer’s legs were crossed. His expression was cold, looking as if he had not heard Madam Kelly’s words. As evening approached, the bustling villa gradually grew quiet. Tiffany and Mortimer had to leave too. Tiffany was lost in her thoughts as she followed behind Mortimer. Just as they were about to reach the car, Mortimer suddenly stopped in his tracks. He turned and said every word clearly, “If you bear my child for money, I will personally make it disappear, even if it is born!”