The next morning, Philip personally came to the estate to pick up Tiffany and Richard. Their destination was Whispering Winds. Tiffany had made sure to get ready early. She had just finished breakfast with Richard when Philip arrived.

Seeing how well Tiffany and Richard were getting along, Philip seemed visibly pleased. As they left the estate and got into the car, he offered some advice: "Make sure you build a good relationship with Mr. Hampton. It will be beneficial for you in the future."

"Alright," Tiffany nodded, accepting Philip's suggestion.

The car drove for about half an hour before stopping. Tiffany looked out the window and saw a distinctive, elegant old mansion—not overly grand, but rich with history and charm. The plaque on the gate read "Whispering Winds" in bold script, giving the place an air of authority.

Philip, dressed in a traditional white suit, looked energetic and sharp, his eyes clear and commanding. However, his face wore a serious expression Tiffany had never seen before.

As they approached the entrance, Philip waved her over. "Come on. Let's head inside."

Tiffany rubbed her nose, feeling slightly uneasy. Is it just me, or does this feel like we're here to challenge someone? she wondered. She didn't voice her thoughts, however, and followed Philip inside.

The estate was breathtaking, a lavish manor exuding sophistication and grace. Despite its elegance, an undeniable sense of status and authority permeated the atmosphere.

Philip's role wasn't immediately clear, but as soon as they stepped through the gate, they were greeted with surprised, respectful expressions.

"Director, you've returned?"

"Yes," Philip replied indifferently, continuing onward.

They must have been notified beforehand, as a dozen dignified individuals—pillars of the estate—were waiting for Philip near a grand pavilion by the rock garden. As he approached, they greeted him in unison: "Director."

Some looked at Tiffany curiously. One asked, "Director, is this young lady your student?"

"Yes," Philip chuckled, then dropped a bombshell. "And she's also the future successor of Whispering Winds."

The group, who had been preparing polite compliments, were shocked. Their expressions were as if they'd been struck by lightning. "Director, you want a young girl to take over Whispering Winds? This decision is absurd!"

"Exactly! What does a girl like her know? There's no way she can take on this position. I object!"

"So do I!"

The disapproving voices grew louder, and their gazes toward Tiffany turned harsh.

Tiffany finally understood. Philip hadn't brought her for a visit—this was a challenge, and they'd stirred up quite a storm.

Amidst the objections, Philip shot a cold glare at the group and sneered. "Do I need your permission to make decisions? Don't be ridiculous! I run this place, and I call the shots. None of you get a say!" He turned to Tiffany. "Come on. Let me show you around."

Leaving the estate members, whose expressions ranged from shock to anger, Tiffany followed Philip. She asked, "Sir, I'm really not suited for this. I mean, I…"

Before she could finish, Philip calmly interrupted, "Do you want to know what Whispering Winds really is?"

Tiffany wasn't particularly interested, but she nodded, pretending curiosity. "Sure. Tell me."

"Everyone knows that Whispering Winds is an institution built by literary scholars, renowned painters, and art masters. But there's more to it—there's a secret."

"What secret?"

"The power of Traron City's four great families rests in my hand. In other words, the director of Whispering Winds is essentially the leader of these families. Do you understand?"

Tiffany gasped. Just one of Traron City's four great families held more influence than her own Kelley family. Who wouldn't be tempted? she thought.

For a moment, Tiffany wavered. But then she realized this wasn't a simple role; taking over would come with immense challenges. She suddenly thought of something. "Is this why you told me to build a good relationship with Richard?"

Philip simply smiled. Tiffany knew she'd guessed right. Richard's influence was unmatched. If Tiffany accepted this role, with his help, she wouldn't need to worry about the disapproval of the estate's members or the four families.

It all makes sense now… Tiffany thought. She asked, "But why me? Out of all people?" She had no connection to Traron City or its powerful families.

Philip chuckled and sat down, leaving the question hanging. "You'll find out in time."

Tiffany sighed. "Are you just eager to retire, so you're dumping all the mess on me?"

His laughter erupted. "I knew I chose the right person. You even figured that out."

His laughter abruptly turned into a violent coughing fit. Tiffany noticed something was wrong. "Sir…" Before she could help, Philip coughed up a mouthful of thick, dark blood—a clear sign of serious illness. Tiffany checked his pulse; the result shocked her. He had only three months to live.

For anyone else, this would have been the end. But Tiffany was a Miracle Healer. Saving lives was something she could easily do. She took out a pill and handed it to Philip, lying, "Here, sir. This is a medicine I bought from Medicinal Haven."

Mentioning "Medicinal Haven" made it clear this was a life-saving remedy worth a fortune.

Philip looked surprised. "From Medicinal Haven?" After a pause, he waved his hand. "No, there's no need. Life and death are out of our hands. Why fight it?"

Tiffany had seen many people desperate to live, but this was the first time she'd encountered someone rejecting a cure.

"Sir…"

"I only have one wish left. Can you help me fulfill it?" Philip's eyes softened, his smile warm and gentle.

Tiffany felt bittersweet emotion. She hadn't spent much time with Philip, and in the chaos of her schedule, she'd even forgotten to report to the studio as promised. When she finally showed up the next day, Philip had been annoyed—understandably—but despite his frustration, he'd indulged her. He'd spoiled her as if she were his granddaughter.

With a deep sigh, she said, "I'll do it. But you have to take this pill, or I'm not handling this mess."

Philip laughed heartily. "Alright, alright, I'll take it." He took the pill and swallowed it.