Tiffany readily agreed.
"I'd like that," she replied.
After being shown to a room upstairs and seated, Frank personally made her coffee. His movements were natural and smooth, his knowledge and refinement in coffee making evident. It was clear Frank possessed a powerful background.
Tiffany took a sip. "Not bad. It's bitter, but there's a subtle sweetness."
Frank praised her. "Miss, you're young, but you know a great deal about coffee."
"I'm flattered. Well, let's get down to business."
Tiffany unfolded a map and placed it before Frank. "The diamond mine is here. It's rich, with mostly top-grade diamonds."
She'd had June prepare the map before returning, intending to use it in negotiations with Treasure Tower.
Frank put on his glasses and examined the map carefully. After a long moment, he looked up. "How did you find this?"
"That's not your concern."
"If this is accurate, the mine's value is staggering!"
"Precisely. That's why I want to make a deal," Tiffany said meaningfully. "Treasure Tower can handle a much larger project, wouldn't you agree?"
"Indeed." Frank nodded, a glint of pride in his shrewd eyes behind his glasses. This was the confidence of a powerful family.
"I'm selling all the diamonds to Treasure Tower. The post-development value is immeasurable. I'm not asking for much—sixty percent for me, forty for you."
Tiffany smiled. "Sixty percent for me, forty for you."
"Agreed."
Without further discussion, Frank readily agreed.
"Deal."
Treasure Tower was Tiffany's first choice because, as an appraiser there (a hidden identity), she knew their background. While Frank had other backers, he held significant authority and considerable influence over major decisions. This meant the mysterious family behind Treasure Tower trusted him implicitly, their power so great that they didn't overly concern themselves with such substantial profits—a testament to their confidence.
With the deal finalized, Tiffany had no further worries. Extraction and processing were Treasure Tower's responsibility; she simply awaited her profits.
Frank was efficient. Perhaps years had passed since the last discovery of a true diamond mine, but the next day, he assembled manpower, experts, and equipment, and they proceeded directly to the mine.
All territories, including the training camp, now belonged to Tiffany. She planned a major overhaul of the camp, so she dispatched Jeremy, formerly a security guard, with these instructions: "The camp will no longer accept outside cooperation. A complete restructuring is needed. Those who wish to stay must sign new contracts. Those who object…persuade them."
She anticipated Mia's interference after such a significant loss; this was a preemptive strike to eliminate any internal spies.
Jeremy, lips pursed, replied, "I'm at your service." He couldn't refuse.
Tiffany smiled playfully. "Thank you for your hard work, Jeremy."
Her sweet tone sent shivers down his spine. He immediately hung up and began executing her orders. Tiffany was pleased. While a raise hadn't motivated Jeremy, her methods always worked.
Having settled her affairs, Tiffany changed clothes, removed her mask, and returned to her family home. She'd been at the training camp for nearly two months without returning. Her parents greeted her tearfully.
"My daughter's tanned!"
"And thinner!"
"Oh, my poor child, your skin's so rough!"
Tiffany was speechless, unprepared for such comments.
Despite this, the atmosphere was harmonious. The family spent the evening together, eating, watching movies, and enjoying a joyous reunion. Tiffany massaged her mother's temples for over an hour. "Mom, have you had headaches recently?"
"No, dear. Don't worry."
"Mm-hmm." [Remove the website plug] Sidney's last checkup revealed Thalia's condition wasn't serious—her headaches stemmed from excessive worry. Unfortunately, Tiffany's medicine only countered physical poisons, not mental ailments.
"Mom, don't worry so much. There's nothing to worry about at home. Just relax and do what you enjoy."
"I know." Thalia's eyes brightened as she patted her daughter's hand.
Late that night, Tiffany's parents retired. Eric insisted on sleeping with his sister, and she agreed. Despite their ten-year age gap, they shared a close bond, exceeding that of typical siblings. Tiffany's past debts made her particularly tolerant of her family.
"Tiffany, these past two months must have been tough," Eric said.
"Is it because I'm tanned?"
"No, no, no!" Eric quickly said. "My sister is beautiful! Your skin is flawless!" He didn't want to upset her. "My sister is as beautiful as a fairy."
Tiffany, quite narcissistic, was delighted. She patted his head. "Good boy."
The next morning, Tiffany—despite a desire for a longer vacation—returned to school. The semester had ended, so she could attend freely. Her top rank in the previous semester secured her a place in Class Seven, Lovell City's best class, alongside Henry, Ged, Kenneth, and Sandra.