Richard's expression remained calm as he asked, "We found him?"

"No," Garry replied.

"Why are you reporting if there's nothing?" Richard replied, clearly frustrated. It was pointless; they hadn't captured the target.

"This time, I'll ensure he's trapped in Lovell City and doesn't get away!" Garry immediately responded.

"You said the same thing last time," Richard pointed out.

Garry was momentarily speechless. He could be confident in front of others, but now he looked pitiful, his expression mirroring a defeated Lucifer. He appeared weak, vulnerable, and helpless.

Richard glanced at him and said flatly, "Find his exact location and seal off the area. This time, I'll take matters into my own hands."

Garry was instantly elated. "That's great!" he exclaimed.

They had clashed with Codename K many times. Each time, he'd slip away, as elusive as an eel. Despite numerous plans, he always escaped.

With Richard's personal involvement, Garry felt confident that even Codename K wouldn't escape. His spirits lifted, and he immediately went to work.

The next day, Tiffany entered the classroom and noticed her seat had been wiped clean, with a bow tied to the chair. Her books, usually disorganized, were neatly arranged. She frowned. Zoe wouldn't have done this; Tiffany disliked others touching her things. She quickly realized a paper containing her script ideas was missing—forgotten yesterday. Before she could react, Melody smiled shyly.

"Tiffany, I organized all this for you. You don't mind, do you?"

Tiffany replied flatly, "Yes, I do mind. So in the future, please keep your hands to yourself and don't touch my things."

The students were taken aback by her bluntness.

Melody's smile faded; she stepped back, bumping her knee on a desk. Ignoring the pain, she apologized nervously, "I'm sorry. I just wanted to be friends."

Melody's subdued reaction made Tiffany seem even more aggressive. Some students wanted to intervene, but Tiffany's intimidating presence silenced them.

Then Kenneth entered, positioning himself protectively in front of Melody. With a stern expression, he angrily questioned, "She was just trying to help you. What's wrong with you?" His voice turned cold, laced with a warning. "Tiffany, don't go too far."

The words sounded familiar; he'd said something similar when protecting Sandra. Now, with Melody, his tone was more intense.

Tiffany smiled, each word deliberate. "I'll give you some advice: mind your own business, or one day you'll find yourself in trouble."

Kenneth was taken aback. Her words cut deeply. He couldn't help but grow angry. "Is it that hard to apologize?"

Tiffany laughed. "Why should I? Does weakness make someone right? Is it because you have a strong presence?"

Her mocking laughter left Kenneth speechless and frustrated. "You're unreasonable!" he exclaimed, grabbing Melody and leaving the classroom.

Trailing behind, Melody felt Kenneth's anger and guilt, her eyes welling up. "You shouldn't have stood up for me. I was wrong. If I'd apologized…"

"Don't get involved with that mad woman!" Kenneth interrupted. "She's unreasonable, stubborn, and arrogant!" He criticized Tiffany repeatedly before concluding, "Stay away from her."

"Okay," Melody said sadly. "I just wanted to get along with everyone."

"It's okay; everyone likes you," Kenneth reassured her. "Don't let this make you doubt yourself. I'm still your friend."

Melody came from a less privileged background and was a newcomer at the elite school. Kenneth understood her desire to make friends. He also knew that, aside from a few, she was genuinely likable.

"Thank you," Melody said, her spirits lifting.

Kenneth shifted awkwardly, noticing her bruised knee.

"Ah, I just bumped it," Melody replied.

"I'm taking you to the infirmary," Kenneth insisted, pulling her along.

Many people saw them holding hands. Those who recognized Kenneth exchanged flirtatious glances and teasing smiles. Some whistled, asking, "Mr. Harper, is she your girlfriend?"

"Don't talk nonsense!" Kenneth glared, amused and annoyed. He didn't let go of her hand.

At the clinic, the doctor examined Melody's injury. "Just apply some medicine," he said calmly.

Kenneth looked worried. "Are you sure? That bruise looks serious."

"There's no need," Melody said. "It's fine."

"Alright," Kenneth relented.

While applying the medicine, a teacher called Kenneth to the door. Melody remained seated, unsure what she had done, the bruise on her knee seeming to worsen.