"Plop!" Two splashes echoed simultaneously. The hot spring wasn't very deep. Tiffany fell, but quickly stood up, the water reaching only her chest. The initial weightlessness had panicked her, but now, stabilized, she found the water delightfully warm. Every pore seemed to open, washing away her worries.
The only awkwardness was that she'd accidentally pulled Richard down. His black hair was plastered wet, water droplets clinging to his sharp features. "How handsome you are!" she exclaimed, a bright smile illuminating her face. He was undeniably handsome—his ink-black eyebrows and striking eyes were captivating.
The dense fog blurred their faces intermittently. Richard swallowed hard. Tiffany, with delicate eyebrows and spring-bright eyes, possessed an alluring charm, subtle yet captivating, like a fairy fallen into the mortal realm. She was breathtakingly stunning.
Richard's gaze was intense, a thousand thoughts flashing through his mind before his willpower quelled them. He awkwardly climbed ashore and left the pool.
Confused, Tiffany wondered, "Did I upset him?" She emerged from the pool, intending to apologize, but Richard had already retreated to the lounge.
A servant approached respectfully. "Miss, shall I bring you to change your clothes?"
"Okay," Tiffany replied, noticing her own disheveled state. The memory of the incident made her want to flee.
The servant led her to a private changing room. Relieved, Tiffany sighed, "Thank you." The Royal Bay's opulence was undeniable, even the lounge was expansive. She wondered about the ready supply of clothes, perfectly sized as if tailor-made, especially since the place was supposedly rarely occupied. Then she remembered the numerous outfits Richard had provided during her week-long stay as the Miracle Healer. Could he have moved them here?
As if reading her mind, the servant smiled. "Mr. Hampton had them sent just two days ago. He anticipated your visit"
Tiffany understood. Richard, meticulous and considerate, had planned for this even when she'd accepted his Saturday invitation. Touched, her face flushed. "Tell Richard I'll be in the front yard when he's free," she said, departing.
Back on the lawn, Lucifer bounded towards her. "Acting cute now, are you? You ignored me just now!" she chuckled, still giving him a treat. He rubbed against her legs contentedly.
Suddenly, a car engine roared from the villa's entrance. Royal Bay's bodyguards intercepted someone. "Sorry, you can't enter."
The man, furious, threatened, "I'll drive through the gate! Try me!"
Recognizing the voice, Tiffany peered closer. It was Jerry, Hank's son, the father of the arrogant young woman who'd nearly harmed Evan and then framed Tiffany. Richard had trusted her then, crippling Hannah's hands as a warning. Tiffany worried about repercussions for Richard if Hank learned of this. It seemed Jerry, unable to exact revenge, was back to cause trouble again.
The bodyguards partially opened the gate, allowing Jerry to enter on foot. Once inside, he shouted for Richard, his words increasingly vitriolic. "Brat, I haven't settled Hannah's score with you!"
After the last incident, Jerry had sought an explanation from Hank, who'd disavowed responsibility, saying he couldn't control Richard. This delay resulted in Hannah's permanent disability. Jerry blamed Richard entirely. He'd visited repeatedly, demanding 10% of the company's shares in exchange for silence. Richard’s response had been a chilling, "Jerry, do you want a crippled hand too?"
Undeterred, Jerry continued his harassment. He saw Tiffany and, mistaking her for one of Richard’s women, addressed her with a sneer, “Hey, it can’t be easy being a gold digger, having to spend money on gas every day.” The bodyguards laughed.
Jerry’s face darkened. “Who are you? Richard’s new woman?”
Tiffany, raising an eyebrow, retorted, “You should go back. Don’t come again. What if my pet gets tired of waiting and decides you make a good snack?”
Infuriated, Jerry raised his hand to slap her. A tiger's roar erupted. Jerry recoiled, whirling to see a massive tiger approaching, its golden eyes fixed on him predatorily. Tiffany snapped her fingers, a cruel smile twisting her lips. "Lucifer, kill him."