Her Story: Rise Of Tiffany novel Chapter 22

Her Story: Rise Of Tiffany Chapter 22

Sidney’s sincerity and politeness threw everyone for a loop. He was the heir of the prestigious Pauley family, with exceptional medical skills. People would bend over backward just to get an appointment with him.

Sidney didn’t need to kiss up to anyone. He was sitting pretty at the top of the food chain. But here he was, rolling out the red carpet for the Kelleys.

The guy who’d been all high and mighty earlier, giving them the bum’s rush, was totally stunned. He was about to

pipe up to save his skin when Sidney shot him a look that could curdle milk.

“Beat it, you’re not wanted here anymore,” Sidney snapped. With just that, he straight-up fired the dude.

Floored by Sidney’s boss move, Thalia and Eric looked at each other, then both stared at Tiffany, as if asking, “Whoa, how do you know this guy? What’s going on? Is he on our side?”

Tiffany didn’t know what to say. She was as lost as they were she and Sidney were barely on cach other’s radar. They’d crossed paths just once before. So she had no idea why Sidney was suddenly playing Mr. Nice Guy.

She could only think of one explanation – it had to be because of Richard. That was the only thing that made sense.

Following a hunch, Tiffany looked up. A guy was leaning against the wall in the opposite hallway. Tall and lean, with a mysterious and elegant vibe about him.

Even though she could only see his back, she could feel the power radiating off him in waves, an invisible force keeping everyone at arm’s length.

As if he had eyes in the back of his head, Richard spun around. Their eyes locked, and he flashed her a subtle smirk.

Tiffany’s brain pretty much short-circuited. This guy was next-level gorgeous. Perfect face? Check. That “I’m too good for you, but you want me anyway” attitude? Double-check. He had this lazy “I woke up this” swagger that was just… ugh. What girl wouldn’t turn into a like puddle around him?

Tiffany snapped out of it and turned to Sidney. Thanks a lot, Mr. Pauley. Mind giving my mom a check-up?” Then she gave Eric a little nudge. “I gotta hit the ladies’ room. Eric, stick with Mom, okay?”

Tiffany was zooming-off when Thalia called out, “Hey, wrong way! The ladies’ room is in the opposite direction.”

Sidney chuckled and started herding them along. “Alright, Mrs. Kelley, let’s go. We’ll head to my office and get to the bottom of what’s bugging you.”

Tiffany rushed to the other hallway and bam – there was Richard, still leaning languidly against the railing. The overhead lights were doing him all kinds of favors, softening that jawline that could cut glass. He looked like he’d stepped right out of a magazine cover. Tiffany sidled up to him and mumbled, “Hey, uh, thanks again for having our backs.”

Richard glanced at the girl who’d just parked herself beside him. She was still catching her breath from her little jog, cheeks flushed pink. Talk about an accidental glow-up! And those eyes? They were practically sparkling.

Richard’s eyebrow arched as he teased, “Don’t tell me you tracked me down just to ask about dinner again.” He really emphasized that “again, making sure she couldn’t miss it.

Tiffany rubbed her nose, feeling caught red-handed. Clearly, Richard had a memory like an elephant. She’d floated the dinner idea a couple of times before, but always left it hanging. Now it looked like she was backed into a corner.

So, any plans for tomorrow?” she asked, sweet as pie.

Richard was pretty pleased she didn’t hit him with the “uncle” thing this time that always got under his skin. “Why wait? Let’s grab dinner tonight,” he said, jumping at the chance.

Tiffany thought about it for a sec, then nodded. “Yeah, sure.” After they sorted out the when and where, she couldn’t help but ask, “By the way, what brings you to the hospital today?”

Richard pointed at his stomach. Then it clicked for Tiffany – back when she’d turned back the clock, Richard had been seriously injured, even if he didn’t let on. Guess they’d hushed it up good, because she hadn’t heard a peep about it.