The once lively girl had lost her luster. Her skin was pale, and her eyes were dull. Obviously, she had gone on a hunger strike to protest something.

Tiffany sighed. She walked in and put a piece of food in her mouth. "Follow me," she said.

Seeing Tiffany, Zoe was stunned. After a moment, she hugged Tiffany and cried. "They hit me, they confined me to my room, and they wanted to sell me!"

"I know."

"They arranged a marriage for me. The man is old, and they were paid 300,000 dollars for me!"

"I know."

"I thought I could tolerate being hit and scolded, but this—I can't take it anymore!"

"I know."

Tiffany patted Zoe's back and comforted her. "That's why I'm here. I'm so sorry."

"Tiffany…"

Zoe cried for a long time. When she calmed down, Tiffany helped her onto the bed. Sidney entered obediently. Seeing Zoe's tear-swollen face, he hung his head, embarrassed. "About the last time you jumped into the river… keep it a secret."

"But I think you're even more miserable now. Are you more unfortunate, or am I?"

Zoe was speechless. She picked up a pillow and threw it at Sidney.

"Forget all this!"

"I don't think I can."

"Bastard!"

"Tsk, tsk. Hit me, scold me. It's fine. You're alive, and that's all that matters."

No matter what, Sidney stayed in the bedroom with her.

Perhaps the best way to comfort Zoe wasn't through words, but through actions.

Tiffany returned to the living room. She said, "300,000 dollars, right? I'll give you 200,000 dollars, plus money to repair the door, as long as you let Zoe go."

When Zoe's parents heard "200,000 dollars," their eyes lit up. They exchanged a look. Just as they were about to demand more, they saw a handsome man with an imposing aura behind Tiffany. He was elegantly dressed in an expensive suit.

They assumed he was very wealthy. Before they could speak, Richard looked at them coldly, a faint smile playing on his lips. His chilling aura made them tremble. Their legs went weak, and they collapsed. They felt extreme danger. This man was someone they couldn't afford to offend.

They immediately nodded, their voices trembling. "Yes, yes, yes. We'll do whatever you say."

Tiffany was surprised by their cooperation. She glanced at Richard, who remained relaxed and elegant.

The rest went smoothly. Tiffany gave Zoe's parents 200,000 dollars and left with Zoe. Zoe, having been hungry for days, was sent to the hospital for a few days of treatment.

Learning Tiffany had paid her parents 200,000 dollars, Zoe felt guilty. She thought she was useless. Tiffany stopped her. "Don't thank me. It's nothing."

"I want to repay you…"

Zoe planned to continue her part-time job at the restaurant. Tiffany chuckled. "Alright, alright, forget it. If you want to work, I'll introduce you to something in two days."

"What kind of work?"

"A relative of mine is opening a charity, and they need a manager. I'll recommend you." This wasn't a whim; Tiffany had planned this. She trusted Zoe, and the weekend work wouldn't interfere with her studies.

Zoe felt a sense of mission. "Tiffany, don't worry! I won't disappoint you!"

"Will your relative be okay with hiring me?"

"Yes." Tiffany chuckled. "Have a good rest and attend class."

Two days later, Zoe returned to school, energetic as before. Only Tiffany knew about her near-forced marriage. Zoe noticed her classmates were suddenly friendly and called Tiffany "Boss." Ged recounted events from the past two months, showing Zoe pictures he'd secretly taken. Zoe accidentally saw a photo of Tiffany in her training uniform next to a photo of Ged's "goddess" – and noticed an uncanny resemblance.

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