Recalling June's mention of James's arrival in Lovell City but unexplained absence, Tiffany realized only he could be responsible for the alluring fragrance in the air. Pushing past the guard trying to stop her, she rushed into the building. Moving swiftly, the two subordinates at the entrance were unable to react before she slipped into the elevator. The doors closed behind her as soon as she was inside.

They immediately informed Garry, "Mr. York, we have an intruder! Someone has broken in!"

Receiving this message, Garry immediately accessed the surveillance feed. He thought, "Who does this person think they are, barging in here without considering whose territory they're trespassing on?" But then he saw the stunningly beautiful face on the monitor. As his men prepared to apprehend the intruder, Garry shouted, "Stop! Get back! That's Mrs. Hampton!"

"Wait, what?" The subordinates exchanged confused glances, taken aback.

Garry's warning echoed, "From now on, be polite when you see her!"

"Yes!" they replied in unison.

Meanwhile, Tiffany remained in the elevator. The scent seemed to originate from the top floor. As the floor numbers illuminated, an inexplicable unease settled in her chest. It felt as though something was happening—something beyond her control. She hoped it was just her imagination.

The elevator swiftly reached the sixty-eighth floor. Tiffany climbed the half-flight of stairs to the rooftop and opened the safety door. A gentle evening breeze caressed her skin. She saw the stars above and city lights below, but her attention was drawn to two imposing figures confronting each other in the center of the rooftop.

On the left stood Richard; on the right, a familiar silhouette—her mentor, James. Even without seeing his face, Tiffany recognized him.

Richard frowned upon seeing her. James, in contrast, looked up and chuckled knowingly. He swallowed blood, wiped his lips with his sleeve, and turned to Tiffany. His faint smile was as warm as their first meeting. "I've been waiting for you, Tiffany," he said softly, his voice barely audible above the wind.

Tiffany rushed to embrace him, tears welling in her eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry" Two years ago, she had disregarded his objections, devoting herself to Kenneth and causing a rift between them. Now, she finally had the chance to express her regret.

James chuckled, but the laughter ended abruptly as he aggravated his injury, trembling in pain. Tiffany gasped at the sight of blood soaking his dark clothing. He was seriously injured.

"It shouldn't have happened like this…" Tiffany whispered.

It was clear Richard had inflicted James's injuries. After taking the medicine Tiffany provided, James fell into a coma.

Placing James on the ground, Tiffany turned to Richard, whose expression shifted, and asked, "Why?"

Richard's dark eyes held a flicker of fire. After a long silence, an icy voice broke the stillness. "Are you questioning me?"

"I…" Tiffany had never seen Richard so terrifying. His sharp brows, unyielding gaze, and icy demeanor were devoid of warmth. He was the menacing figure everyone spoke of. On the expansive rooftop, they stood in a silent standoff, the evening breeze turning chilling.

Garry arrived with trusted subordinates. Seeing the scene, he was taken aback. "What's going on here?" he wondered.

Tiffany took a deep breath. "I'm taking him with me."

Garry immediately understood. He stepped forward. "Do you know who he is? He isn't worth this protection."

Before she could respond, Garry pointed at the unconscious James. "He came to Lovell City with ulterior motives; he was just trying to find that—" He paused abruptly, cutting himself off. It was a powerful secret.

Tiffany frowned. "I must take him with me." James's injuries were severe; without immediate attention, he would die from blood loss. She crouched and helped him to his feet.

Richard blocked her path. "What if I don't agree?" His calm eyes hinted at a simmering storm.

Tiffany fell silent before saying, "When we first met, you told me I could come to you for help whenever I needed it. I need you to honor that promise now. Please, let me take Mr. Quinn with me."

Richard's expression darkened. He smiled coldly. "Very well, very well."

In her most dangerous moments, she had remained silent. Yet, she spoke up for someone else. Richard, enraged, raised his hand to take James from her, but Tiffany quickly produced a switchblade, slicing his arm.

Tiffany felt a pang of pain and withdrew her hand, her composure shattered. She hadn't meant to hurt him.

Richard's smile was unsettling. A chilling emptiness replaced his usual intense gaze. "Let her go," he said.

Garry and his subordinates stepped back. Tiffany understood their connection was severed. No more late-night visits, no more playful interactions. Her heart sank. She left with James.

Richard stood alone, radiating profound solitude. Garry, gritting his teeth, followed.

Before Tiffany could enter the elevator, Garry stopped her. "How can you be so heartless? How can you hurt him like this for an outsider?"

Tiffany was speechless, her throat tight.

Garry pressed against the elevator doors. Tiffany lowered her gaze. "My mentor is significant to me." She felt the weight of her debts.

Garry countered, "But you're important to him too. I've been by Richard's side for years, and I've never seen him care for anyone like this. Because it's you, he even held back in front of his enemies. Do you understand? Do you understand?"

Tiffany stepped back. She thought, "The relationship between Mr. Quinn and Richard is… enemies?"

Garry shook his head. "Forget it; you wouldn't understand." He released the doors.

At the building entrance, June rushed to help, seeing Tiffany and the injured James. "What happened to him? He's hurt so badly! Get him in the car, quickly!"

After helping James into the car, June noticed Tiffany's pale face. "Miss Kelley, are you okay? Did you get hurt?"