Tiffany shook her head. She wasn't injured, but her heart ached. Forcing a smile, she said, "I'm fine. Let's go." She got into the car. June felt even more worried, but clearly, it wasn't the right moment to talk. She drove away from the building, heading toward Luna Villa.

James remained unconscious for a long time. His injuries were severe: four broken ribs, with blood pooling in his chest cavity that needed draining. He also had multiple soft-tissue bruises and countless scrapes and abrasions.

Tiffany administered most of the medicine she had recently concocted and spent considerable time preparing a herbal bath for him. This herbal combination was known for its remarkable efficacy, promising a quick recovery from such severe injuries.

Once everything was prepared, Tiffany was utterly drained and called for Jeremy. "Please help me get him into the herbal bath."

Jeremy approached expressionlessly and casually tossed James into the bath, splashing water everywhere.

Tiffany was stunned. "Is that how you treat an injured person?"

"You asked me to get him in, but you didn't specify how," Jeremy replied.

Tiffany found this both amusing and exasperating. Sighing, she said, "Alright, it's fine now. You should go back and rest."

"Okay." Jeremy turned to leave, paused at the door, and asked, "Are you feeling down?"

"What?" Tiffany didn't respond immediately.

Jeremy pointed at the corner of his mouth. "You didn't smile when you saw me today."

"What about now?" Tiffany asked, lifting the corners of her mouth into a smile.

Jeremy shot her a disdainful glance. "Ugly," he said, turning and walking away without looking back.

Furious, Tiffany was about to throw her shoe at him when June walked in, holding some clothes. Noticing her reaction, June asked, "Miss Kelley, who are you planning to hit? Is it Jeremy?"

"Yeah," Tiffany said, quietly putting her shoe back on. Noticing James's condition had stabilized, she instructed, "June, please keep an eye on him for a while. I'll take over in four hours."

"There's no need. I've already arranged for a servant to take care of him. It's getting late; you should rest," June said.

"Alright then." Tiffany left the basement.

Back in her room, she felt empty. Recent events flooded her thoughts, each scene vivid and piercing. As she lay on the soft couch by the window, she couldn't help but recall the injury she had unintentionally inflicted on Richard. Her blade was exceptionally sharp, but she had never expected her first experience drawing blood would be against him.

She wondered how he was doing and if he harbored deep resentment. She managed a bitter smile and slowly closed her eyes.

The following day, James was awake. Tiffany hurried downstairs and found him—gravely injured and unconscious just yesterday—neatly dressed and sitting upright at the dining table. Aside from a slightly pale complexion, he appeared to be in good condition.

Tiffany sighed in relief, sitting beside him. Her tone was a mix of irritation and grievance. "Why did you take so long to see me?"

James chuckled, suppressing his pain. Forcing a carefree expression, he replied, "When haven't I seen you? Did you forget I was your instructor for a whole month?"

"Of course not," Tiffany replied with a laugh. "I can never forget that hellish training."

The two months at the training base had been tough, but the results were rapid and impressive. Tiffany understood his good intentions; however, after pondering for a long time, she finally asked, "Mr. Quinn, is there some kind of feud between you and Richard?"

Although James's injuries weren't life-threatening, it was clear he had been overwhelmed and beaten mercilessly by Richard. The severity of his wounds indicated Richard's ruthlessness.

James wasn't surprised by her question. "There are some misunderstandings," he replied, but didn't elaborate.

Tiffany pressed on. "Why were you at that building yesterday? Mr. Quinn, I know you have many secrets, but I…"

"Tiffany," James interrupted softly, "Do you remember what I told you when we first met?"

"I remember," she replied. She was five or six years old when she first met him. He looked just as young and handsome then, gently patting her head and smiling as he said, "From now on, I will protect you for life." So, when Kenneth repeatedly hurt her feelings, he wanted to finish Kenneth. Tiffany raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Quinn, what are you trying to say?"

"I want to tell you that no matter my secrets, this will never change," James said, gently patting her head. "I will protect you all my life, to the best of my ability."

An indescribable warmth surged in her heart. Tiffany smiled and nodded. "I know." She never doubted it. Yesterday, on the rooftop of that building, she had unhesitatingly taken him away from Richard, even if it meant utterly offending him—James, who had taught her everything and was like family. After decades of companionship, their trust and bond were beyond compare.

Tiffany didn't press further. Richard would surely resent her. So be it.

During the weekend, Tiffany stayed at Luna Villa to care for James. His wounds slowly healed after two days of rest and herbal baths. He was expected to be able to move freely in about ten days.

Meanwhile, Sidney and Garry sat together at Royal Bay, looking exhausted, occasionally sighing deeply.

"It's becoming increasingly difficult," Sidney said.

"Yeah…" Garry replied.

Richard walked in as Garry finished speaking, his handsome face shadowed with anger, radiating an icy aura. "Is everything taken care of?"

"Not really…" Garry said barely audibly. "Can we take a break for a while?"

"What do you think?" Richard asked.

"I understand. I'll go right away." Garry and Sidney helped each other off the comfortable sofa. These two handsome men had become scruffy, worn-out older gentlemen from days of nonstop work without sleep, leaving them on the verge of tears as they wondered when this endless cycle would end. Suddenly, Richard's indifferent voice cut through the air. "Alright, you can rest now." He entered his study.

The door closed, silence enveloped the room, and no one dared to disturb him. It felt like two distinct lines: outside was the world's noise, and inside was his solitary domain, filled with countless wounds and overwhelming loneliness.

Sidney sighed helplessly. "Here we go again…"

Garry nodded in agreement. "If this keeps up, even the toughest body won't be able to handle it." Ever since they returned from the rooftop that night, Richard seemed to have reverted overnight to the unpredictable, mercurial, and ferocious demeanor he had five years ago, when rumors of his ruthlessness circulated. However, after encountering Tiffany, his character had significantly changed. He was no longer the cold and volatile figure; occasionally, he showed a softer side. But now, everything had changed again.