The man didn't turn around. In the moonlight, his tall figure nearly blended with the night. An undeniable pressure radiated from him.

June felt anxious, repeatedly wanting to lift her head but restraining herself. After a long silence, the man's voice finally broke the quiet, asking, "Is she doing well?"

His voice was melodious and pleasant, sounding relatively youthful—perhaps around thirty. But when he turned, she saw an exceptionally refined and gentle face, though not his actual appearance. Even after years by his side, June had never seen his true face. He always wore a mask that shifted with the moment, making it impossible to see his true self.

June sighed inwardly and replied, "She is doing well."

The man was James Quinn, a figure shrouded in mystery, with an enigmatic background and formidable skills, particularly in poison and disguise. He was not only her master but also Tiffany's long-admired mentor. However, he had been absent from Lovell City for some time, living an unpredictable life.

June paused before continuing, "Master, why don't you reveal yourself? Miss Kelley has missed you terribly. If she knew you were back, she would be overjoyed!"

James didn't respond directly; instead, he said, "I can't stay long. Make sure you protect Tiffany."

"Yes!" June nodded.

James turned as if to leave, but glanced back and earnestly advised, "Tell Tiffany to stay away from Richard Hampton."

"Understood," June replied, though slightly puzzled; she was used to following orders.

In the blink of an eye, James vanished into the darkness, leaving no trace. His presence had seemed an illusion.

Returning to Luna Villa, June shared the news. Tiffany was taken aback. "Why doesn't he want to see me?"

She had foolishly severed ties with James two years ago over Kenneth and hadn't heard from him since. This absence was a thorn in her heart. As long as James remained unseen, this thorn, filled with guilt and regret, would persist.

"Is Mr. Quinn never going to forgive me?" Tiffany murmured, sitting back on her bed, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips, her once-bright eyes dimmed with uncertainty.

June felt sympathy. She gently encouraged her, "Miss Kelley, you shouldn't think that way. Before leaving, the master told me to protect and care for you. There must be a reason he hasn't shown himself. Once things settle down, I'm sure he'll return!"

Tiffany nodded. June continued, "Before he left, he also asked me to tell you something."

"What is it?" Tiffany asked.

"He said to stay away from Mr. Hampton," June replied.

Tiffany thought, 'Richard Hampton? What does he have to do with this?' "Why?" she asked. But no one could answer, not even June.

After a long pause, Tiffany waved her hand and said, "June, you should rest. I need time to think."

"Okay," June replied and left.

The spacious main bedroom felt emptier than ever, too quiet. Tiffany lay in bed, wide awake, staring at the ceiling. Richard's tall, regal figure filled her mind. She recalled dancing for him at Royal Bay, followed by his possessive, forceful kiss. Just as her thoughts spiraled, her phone rang.

She saw a message: "[Have you slept?]"

It was from Richard. "Speak of the devil," she thought.

Tiffany's mind was in turmoil, recalling his "transgressions." She replied with annoyance: "[I'm asleep!]"

The message sent, but within three seconds, her phone rang. A light chuckle drifted into her ear—smooth, teasing, magnetic, and captivating.

Tiffany's irritation faded. Lying on the bed, she said in a muffled voice, "It's late; is there something you need?"

Richard's tone was relaxed and lazy. "Lucifer says it misses you and looks pitiful, so I had to let it have its way."

Richard had a well-behaved tiger at his feet at Royal Bay. The tiger seemed perplexed and denied this, protesting vociferously. Under Richard's intense gaze, the tiger whimpered and whined, trying to appear cute.

Hearing this, Tiffany felt guilty. Lucifer was her responsibility, yet she'd left it at Royal Bay under Richard's care. She had been so neglectful.

"I'm sorry," Tiffany said. "I'll come pick it up tomorrow. It's been too much trouble for you."

Bringing Lucifer home was impossible; her father would be furious. She needed an excuse to leave Lucifer at Luna Villa.

Richard's expression darkened. Tiffany's sudden formality, and now her desire to take custody, worried him. If she took Lucifer, their ties would be severed, and she might never return to Royal Bay.

Richard immediately said, "Lucifer is used to staying at Royal Bay and doesn't want to leave." He glanced down at Lucifer with a faint smile and asked, "Right?"

Lucifer immediately whimpered, showing its unwillingness to leave. It rolled on the ground in protest.

Though Tiffany couldn't see Lucifer, she understood. She sighed helplessly and said, "What should I do then?"

"Just come visit it when you have time," Richard replied.

"Alright," Tiffany agreed.

An odd feeling surfaced—like they were a couple fighting for child custody. She shuddered and dismissed the thought. "I'll come visit another day," Tiffany said, stifling a yawn. "It's late. Goodnight!"

"Goodnight," Richard replied.

After the call, Tiffany couldn't sleep. At Royal Bay, Lucifer happily nuzzled Richard's pants. Richard laughed and instructed a servant to prepare premium beef for the "little hero." Lucifer ran off joyfully.

Garry approached. "Richard, the person we're looking for revealed his whereabouts an hour ago. He's in Lovell City!"

The extraneous website promotion has been removed. The final paragraph is slightly awkwardly phrased; minor edits might improve flow, but the core meaning is preserved.