A young woman, wearing a stunning red sundress, walked gracefully toward Richard. Her glowing skin and striking features, especially her bright, sparkling eyes, were captivating. Her charming smile lent an ethereal quality to her beauty. It was Tiffany, returning unexpectedly.

Richard was taken aback. "What are you doing back here?"

Tiffany playfully touched her nose, a little sheepish. Can I really admit that I turned back after hearing the driver’s words? she thought.

She knew Richard was a force to be reckoned with—a powerful man who needed no pity or sympathy. But the thought of him alone under the moonlight weighed heavily on her heart. That's why she returned, even if only for a few more minutes.

As Tiffany approached, the sweet scent of wine filled the air. Looking into Richard's handsome face, she asked, "How about I give you a gift?"

"Oh? What kind of gift?" he replied, a casual smile revealing a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

Tiffany then danced. Under the bright moonlight, her red dress swirled, her movements fluid and enchanting. She danced like a gentle breeze, captivating Richard and leaving a lasting impression.

Richard's gaze deepened, his smile fading. On the open hilltop, the evening breeze carried the sweet scent of wine. Under the night sky, the moonlight draped a delicate veil over Tiffany's slender figure, making her seem dreamlike. Yet, in his eyes, nothing compared to her.

After her dance, Tiffany breathed heavily. She'd never danced for anyone before, despite her mother's childhood influence. During her years pursuing Kenneth, the world had only seen her as a silly girl. Now, she danced for Richard for the first time. Smiling, she asked, "Did you like the gift?"

Richard's intense gaze held a mixture of emotions. He wasn't merely pleased; Tiffany's presence and her dance felt like a ray of light piercing the shadows of his heart, dispelling the gloom. Her silent effort to comfort him was profound.

A smile crept onto Richard's lips as he stood and walked toward Tiffany. She looked up, expecting praise, but instead, he kissed her.

Their lips met, a cool, sweet sensation enveloping her, mingling with the intoxicating scent of wine. Her heart raced.

Tiffany exclaimed, stepping back in surprise, trying to push Richard away. But Richard, ever assertive, tightened his embrace.

The full moon, partially obscured by clouds, shone above. The mountaintop's stillness was punctuated by a gentle breeze carrying the lingering scent of intimacy, creating palpable tension. Though Tiffany hadn't drunk any alcohol, the scent of wine made her lightheaded, as if floating in a dreamy haze.

Eventually, Richard released her. Tiffany felt weak, teetering. With a soft chuckle, he swept her into his arms.

How embarrassing! Tiffany thought, closing her eyes, wishing to disappear.

Richard drove her home. Upon arrival, Tiffany rushed inside, desperate to avoid her parents and brother seeing her swollen lips.

Hiding in her bed, she vowed, "I must keep my distance from that enigmatic man!"

Chapter 182

That night, Tiffany tossed and turned until dawn, finally dozing off. When she woke, she dragged herself to school, exhausted.

Zoe approached her. "Tiffany, did you stay up all night? You look wiped out!"

"Yeah," Tiffany nodded. "I didn't sleep well."

"Ah, that makes sense. By the way, did you hear? Sandra Olson dropped out!"

"She dropped out? When did that happen?"

"Just yesterday," Zoe replied. "She left in a hurry; the Booth family sent bodyguards to pick her up. It was quite a scene."

News of Sandra's connection to the Booth family spread quickly. No one expected her sudden departure. She'd given up on Kenneth and becoming Mrs. Harper, latching onto Jordan Booth instead—her golden ticket to security.

"She really knows how to play her cards," Zoe commented ironically. "She couldn't snag Kenneth, so she's moving on to Jordan. Not a bad trade-off."

Tiffany chuckled softly. Others might not understand, but she knew Sandra well. Sandra would never be satisfied, even as a Booth. Whether she truly gave up on Kenneth was uncertain, but Tiffany believed Sandra, fueled by hatred, would plot revenge.

The school bell rang. [The promotional sentence for FindNovel.net has been removed as it is irrelevant to the story.]

Meanwhile, at the Booth household, Sandra lay comfortably on the couch. Though not officially moved in, the staff called her "Mrs. Booth," and even Jordan's parents didn't dare reprimand her. It was a stark contrast to their previous treatment.

Gently rubbing her belly, Sandra smiled, reveling in her newfound status. She'd confirmed her pregnancy the previous day while sneaking away from class. She'd confronted the Booth family and announced the news.

The Booth family had only one child for generations, acceptable when they weren't wealthy. Now, as a well-established family, they needed an heir.

Jordan, despite health issues, had never gotten anyone pregnant before. Their one encounter resulted in pregnancy. Sandra felt conflicted—pleased and horrified.

Despite resentment, Sandra had no choice but to accept. This child would elevate her status and be useful for her plans. She smiled.

With a satisfied grin, she took a sip of juice, then spat it out, glaring at a servant. "What's in this? How am I supposed to drink this?"

"Sorry!" the servant stammered, apologizing and wringing her apron. "I must have missed something. Please forgive me."

"Can't you make it right?" Sandra snapped.

"Yes, of course," the servant replied, scurrying off.

In the kitchen, the servant complained to coworkers, "Honestly, does she think she's royalty? I've never worked for someone so high-maintenance!" [The promotional sentence for FindNovel.net has been removed as it is irrelevant to the story.]