Victor struggled to rise from his hospital bed. His butler rushed to his side. “Sir, you’re still injured! The doctor said it’s a miracle you’re even alive. Please, don’t move!”

“It’s not a miracle…” Victor shook his head, his voice breaking. “It’s my daughter, Faith. She saved me…” His voice trailed off, choked with emotion. The butler paused, surprised.

Faith Ashton was a taboo subject in the Ashton family—no one dared mention her name. She was Victor’s most beloved daughter. Twenty years earlier, in a fit of rage over her relationship with a poor boy, Victor had banished her, declaring that if she left, they would be estranged forever.

Faith left without looking back. Victor hardened his heart and ignored her existence; their relationship remained frozen in time.

For three years, Victor often thought of Faith. He eventually sent someone to discreetly gather information, hoping to make amends, but the man returned with devastating news: Six months before Victor's inquiry, Faith and her husband had died. Faith had just given birth. While on the run, she hid her newborn daughter to protect her from danger. Later, she and her husband were killed.

Overwhelmed with regret, Victor fell into a deep depression, aging him a decade. He spent years searching for the baby, but to no avail. If the child were still alive, she would be eighteen—a young woman.

As memories flooded back, the butler’s eyes glistened. “Sir, I know you miss her, but Miss Faith has been gone for years. You need to look forward…”

Victor sank back onto the bed, tears streaming down his face. But after a moment, he opened his eyes, determination flaring despite his tears. “Keep searching! No matter what, I want to find my granddaughter!”

Meanwhile, a plane landed at Royal Bay. It was six in the evening, and Tiffany hoped to reach home for dinner. Stepping into her car, she saw Richard standing alone in the sunset. She couldn't help but notice his solitude.

Before she could think twice, she called out, “Why don’t you come home with me?” She immediately regretted the invitation. Will Dad and Mom be okay with Richard coming over? she wondered.

Richard raised an eyebrow, surprised. After a moment, he replied, “Sure.”

When Tiffany looked at him, his handsome features were lit up with a genuine smile, as bright as the moon rising over the mountains. Her heart fluttered.

The Kelley family had prepared a feast for Tiffany. Their initial surprise at seeing Richard quickly turned to warmth and hospitality.

At dinner, Tiffany’s father, Charlie, said, “Thank you, Mr. Hampton, for looking after my daughter. If she’s been a handful, please forgive her.”

“Not at all,” Richard replied graciously.

The dinner lacked the usual formality of business gatherings, creating a cozy atmosphere.

After dinner, Tiffany’s mother, Thalia, nudged her to see Richard home, wanting to ensure the presumably inebriated Richard made it back to Royal Bay safely.

“Wait, what?” Tiffany thought she’d misheard. After confirming, she protested, “That’s not necessary. He has a driver. Besides, he’s not even drunk.” He seems perfectly sober! she thought.

Just as Tiffany was about to refuse, Eric, adopting a mature tone, said, “Richard brought you back from Traron City. It’s only fair you return the favor. Go on!” He gently pushed her toward the door.

Tiffany was speechless.

Richard chuckled softly, “Your family is quite charming.”

“Just go!” Tiffany realized that if she didn't comply, she wouldn't be going home anytime soon. She grabbed Richard, shoved him into the car, slammed the door, and ordered the driver to Royal Bay, hoping to return to bed quickly.

Meanwhile, Charlie was puzzled. “Wait a second. Why would a grown man need my daughter to personally see him home?”

Thalia replied smoothly, “Our daughter owes him a favor, so she should repay it herself.”

Eric nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly, Dad! Didn’t you teach me that?”

“Uh, I guess that makes sense.” Charlie scratched his head, slightly convinced but still suspicious. Thalia quickly steered him away from further questioning.

Twenty minutes later, Tiffany dropped Richard off at Royal Bay. “Well, I’ll be on my way.”

“Alright.” Richard watched her leave silently.

Tiffany felt something was amiss. “Are you alright? You seem a little off tonight…” He seemed unusually serious. [Removed website promotion]

“I’m fine.” Richard offered a faint smile, his expression unchanged.

Tiffany left. The driver, a Hampton family employee, who had driven them from Royal Bay to the Kelleys’ earlier, said, “Miss Kelley. Today is actually Mr. Hampton’s birthday.”

Tiffany froze in shock.

At Royal Bay, Richard sat on the hillside amidst numerous red wine bottles—two empty. The stars twinkled. The view was beautiful, though the breeze was chilly.

Richard tossed his wine glass aside and loosened his tie. His relaxed posture revealed his lean chest and collarbone. Despite his relaxed demeanor, he remained elegant and captivating.

His mind, however, was filled with dark memories: flashes of blood, crying, laughter, and desperate pleas for help—reminders of his dark childhood. He saw a four-year-old boy clinging to a woman’s hand as she lay in a pool of blood, smiling as she wiped away his tears, saying, “Don’t be scared, don’t be scared…” Then, she died. Laughter echoed.

Richard’s face hardened, a menacing aura emanating from him. Footsteps approached. He turned to see a slender figure. [Removed website promotion]