Tiffany apologized for her past actions. Between James and Richard, she had chosen James, even fighting against Richard—a decision she deeply regretted. Yet, given the chance, she would still choose James, regardless of the cost. She owed him too much.
Watching Tiffany's pleading expression, Richard battled a fierce internal conflict. He'd resolved to respect her wishes, as James had suggested. To avoid causing her further distress, he knew he had to let go. But seeing her again, those pitiful eyes, made his resolve waver violently.
Just then, Sidney finished treating her wound, muttering in confusion, "That's strange. This wound looks just like the one that Kelley girl had." He dismissed coincidence as impossible; two people so similar couldn't have identical injuries. He'd treated Tiffany's wound recently and could confirm it was the same gunshot wound. He thought, Is she Tiffany?
Sidney, noticing the tension between Richard and Tiffany, swallowed his astonishment and quietly retreated.
After a long moment, Richard broke the silence. With a faint, mocking smile, he said, "I'm still going to kill James."
"I know," Tiffany replied unsurprisingly. After a pause, she added, "And I would still save him." She told the truth, unwilling to lie.
Though their exchange was brief, nothing seemed to have changed. Their statements were factual, yet the atmosphere worsened, a stark opposition. Tiffany clenched her hands, her heart sinking. She'd come to explain, to apologize, but things only grew more complicated.
Richard laughed, but his gaze was cold, intense, fixed on her for a long moment before he looked away. He said casually, "You really think you can save him?" If Richard wanted someone dead, he needed no permission or interference. He was only refraining because of her.
Without another glance, Richard coldly instructed Sidney, "Take her home."
Sidney sighed inwardly but gestured toward the door. "Come on. I'll take you back."
Tiffany stood, limping toward the exit. Passing Richard, she whispered almost inaudibly, "I'm sorry." Apologies felt powerless, but it was all she could do.
Richard smirked, then gripped her chin with a devilish smile. His chilling gaze, filled with malice, bore into hers. With their eyes locked, he said, "Tiffany, don't bother me again." To let go, he needed to do so completely; otherwise, he feared he wouldn't be able to stop himself, to overcome the blood feud and hold her.
Tiffany felt a sharp pain, as if a needle pierced her heart. Forcing a faint smile, she agreed without hesitation, "Alright." She would give him what he wanted.
As they left Royal Tower, Sidney helped Tiffany into his car. He reminded her, "You really can't let your wound get wet or aggravate it. Any lasting damage won't be a joke."
"I know. Thank you," she replied.
"No problem," Sidney said. As the car door closed, he started the vehicle slowly, asking, "Should I take you home? Or somewhere else?"
"Take me back to school, please," Tiffany said.
"It's no trouble," Sidney replied. He was always a gentleman, especially when Richard gave the order.
Thinking back to the confrontation, Sidney glanced at Tiffany through the rearview mirror and sighed. He remarked, "Honestly… you haven't fully admitted your real feelings yet, maybe even to yourself. If you opened up, things might be different."
Tiffany, head down, hadn't been paying attention, but his words surprised her. "Admit what?"
Sidney's gaze met hers in the mirror. "You've already fallen for him, haven't you?"
Tiffany froze, pondering if she had fallen for Richard. Before her time travel, she'd experienced love and heartbreak. This time, she'd focused on protecting her family. To say she'd fallen in love again wasn't entirely true, but neither was denying it. It didn't matter.
She smiled faintly and replied softly, "No, it's in the past." She wouldn't pursue Richard. Even if she felt something, she would extinguish it.
Sidney sighed. He saw their feelings, but the situation had created a vast rift. Tiffany's blade was pointed at Richard; he stepped forward despite the risk, then fear and doubt caused them both to retreat.
Sidney understood Richard's anger, not because Tiffany would protect James, but because he felt she'd never truly had a place for him in her heart. He sighed deeply, knowing they had to resolve this themselves.
After about ten minutes, nearing the school, Tiffany removed her mask and makeup, revealing her stunning beauty. Sidney was momentarily stunned by the mask's seamless craftsmanship. Before he recovered, Tiffany produced a porcelain bottle. "This is for you," she said.
It contained medicine that could neutralize hundreds of poisons. She smiled, radiant. "A thank-you gift for the ride."
Sidney instinctively took it. Tiffany limped into the school. Watching her go, Sidney realized his task was complete. He examined the bottle, revealing dozens of golden pills, exuding a sweet medicinal fragrance.
Elixir? Sidney's body tensed; his hands shook. These were legendary, life-saving medicines only the Miracle Healer could create. A single pill was priceless! This bottle held ten. Sidney stared at Tiffany, recalling the Miracle Healer's youth, flawless disguise, and makeup skills…
"Holy crap!" Even Sidney couldn't hide his astonishment. He thought, Just how many identities does Tiffany have?