Of course, it couldn't actually bite Jerry to death. However, the king of beasts walked with mighty, domineering steps, letting out a threatening low roar. Its eyes glowed faintly, and its sharp teeth were barely visible. This innate intimidation was definitely not something ordinary people could resist! After all, very few people, like Tiffany, could keep a king of beasts as a pet. It was even rarer to find someone as powerful and unfathomable as Richard; even a tiger would tremble and cower at his feet. As for the others? They would tremble at the sight of a tiger.

Seeing the tiger approach, Jerry, who had been acting unreasonably, looked flustered. “Don’t… don’t come over…” he stammered, a terrified expression on his face. He scrambled out of the Royal Bay, quickly got into his car, started the engine, and sped away, as if running for his life!

Tiffany smiled and shouted, "You're welcome to come again next time!" But Jerry likely wouldn't dare.

Witnessing Tiffany's bravery, the surrounding bodyguards exchanged glances, looking at her with respect. They thought, No wonder Mr. Hampton personally brought her back. Her uniqueness and unconventionality are truly remarkable. Her actions were fierce and formidable, sending chills down our spines!

One bodyguard, familiar with Tiffany, stepped forward and said respectfully, "Mrs… Miss, in the future, please just tell us, and we'll handle it. Otherwise, if you're hurt, we'll take the blame." He was referring to Jerry's attempted assault on Tiffany.

Tiffany waved her hand dismissively. "You're exaggerating. It's not that easy to hurt me." Even without Lucifer's tiger roar, she wouldn't have let Jerry harm her.

At that moment, Richard, having changed clothes, returned from the hot spring. His wet, tousled hair made his face even more handsome. Looking down, Tiffany noticed his sexy Adam's apple and clearly defined collarbone, igniting her imagination. She instantly recalled the events in the hot spring; after she accidentally pulled Richard in, his white shirt had become drenched, revealing his muscular chest. His muscles were exceptionally smooth, and his physique was impressive! He was still wearing the black string pendant she had given him. The feeling was indescribably ambiguous.

Tiffany quickly looked away. However, a bodyguard immediately explained the incident, including Jerry's attempt to attack her.

Richard's handsome face instantly darkened. His dark eyes were cold and sharp. "Were you dead?" he asked, his temper flaring. Anger was evident.

"We're sorry, Mr. Hampton," the bodyguards standing in the hall immediately lowered their heads. Silence fell; everyone was scared. Richard rarely got angry, but no one could withstand the consequences of crossing his boundaries! And this time, their leniency had almost allowed Jerry to hurt Tiffany—a clear violation of Richard's limits.

"Go receive your punishment," Richard said coldly, a hint of viciousness in his tone. The pressure was intense.

The bodyguards immediately bowed. "Yes, Mr. Hampton."

Tiffany watched, initially hesitant to interfere, but this concerned her. She leaned over and gently poked Richard's arm. "I'm fine. Even ten of that guy wouldn't be a match for me. Don't blame them."

Richard said nothing, only turning to look at her. Tiffany tugged his sleeve and blinked. "Okay?" Her large, clear eyes blinked like stars, bright and playful.

Richard had lingered in the bathroom because images of her in the hot spring wouldn't leave his mind. Even as a gentleman, he was a man of strong passions! The faint temptation of a beautiful woman in his arms had sent him fleeing. He had little resistance to her, and her soft, coaxing voice banished his gloom. He said, "There won't be a next time."

The bodyguards were shocked. They hadn't expected Richard to change his mind and forgo punishment because of Tiffany's words! It seems this delicate girl is very important to Mr. Hampton. She's far from ordinary.

"Thank you, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Hampton," the bodyguards retreated.

Tiffany was stunned. What did they just call me? Mrs. Hampton? She was speechless and confused.

Richard remained calm, but the corners of his mouth subtly curved into a faint smile. Tiffany's face flushed, embarrassed by the misunderstanding. Seeing Richard's normal expression, she wondered if she was hallucinating.

At that moment, June called. Tiffany used the restroom as an excuse to answer. "Hello, June."

June asked, "Miss Kelley, Mia wants to see you urgently. Will you meet her?"

Tiffany considered it. "Yes." She'd had enough fun at the Royal Bay; making money was more important. To strike while the iron was hot, she needed to press her advantage.

"Alright, I'll arrange it," said June.

"Okay." After hanging up, Tiffany used a prior engagement as an excuse to leave, but Richard's intense gaze stopped her. He bluntly asked, "Are you avoiding me?"

"Huh?" Tiffany shook her head innocently. "No."

Richard asked again, "So you hate me?"

Tiffany replied, "Not really."

"Really?" He approached, his aura strong and aggressive. Tiffany instinctively retreated, until she was backed into a corner.

The villa had four floor-to-ceiling windows, excellent lighting, and a wide view. The sun blazed outside. The villa's temperature was comfortable, yet Tiffany felt the air growing thin. His figure, backlit, grew closer. His obsidian eyes held an unreadable emotion. Their breaths mingled. As he moved to kiss her, Tiffany panicked, her heartbeat pounding. Should I hide?

She hesitated, but heard Richard chuckle, his voice pleasant and magnetic. A soft kiss brushed her hair—he'd restrained himself. He easily let his guard down with her, but even the strongest self-control could be broken He feared scaring her off; losing her would outweigh any gain.

"Let's go. I'll drive you." Seeing her dazed and adorable expression, Richard ruffled her hair, a trace of gentleness in his eyes.

Even after being driven home, Tiffany remained dazed. One question lingered: Damn it, did he just kiss me or not?