Richard’s face darkened, his domineering demeanor intensifying. He was an impassable wall, leaving everyone on edge and breathless. Kenneth quickly withdrew his hand.

He was about to speak, but Richard shot him a withering glare and barked, “Get lost!”

Kenneth immediately fled, his tail between his legs. Sandra, close behind, was deeply shaken by the scene. Sweating profusely, she feared Richard’s wrath would turn on her next. If it did, she knew she'd be in serious trouble.

Just as they were about to escape, Richard called out, “Wait a second.”

Kenneth and Sandra stopped, giving Richard a look of puzzled fear.

Richard, calmly, said, “Your taste in women has really declined, hasn't it?”

His comment hung in the air, leaving Kenneth and Sandra confused. What did he mean? It seemed he was targeting Sandra, implying Kenneth had made a terrible mistake.

Richard didn't wait for a response. He turned and walked into Velvet & Vine, Tiffany at his side. The establishment was closed and off-limits to others; it was reserved for them.

Tiffany was ecstatic, grinning widely. Completely starstruck, she couldn't take her eyes off him. Damn, Richard's the real deal, she thought, exhilarated. One power move and that two-faced Kenneth crumbled. Even that snake Sandra didn't dare act up. So awesome!

Tiffany's face lit up as she chirped, "So Richard, what are you in the mood for? My treat!" She playfully nudged the menu toward him.

Richard chuckled. She didn't know he owned the place. He decided to keep it that way for now, ordering a few dishes and returning the menu.

Tiffany, easily pleased, added a couple more items.

Within ten minutes, the food arrived. Tiffany took a bite and exclaimed, "Wow, this is amazing! Totally worth the hype. No wonder this place is always packed, even with a limited guest list."

After dinner, the server brought fruit and dessert. Tiffany was eating when Richard asked, "Ever tried archery?"

"Yes," Tiffany nodded. "My dad and I did it when I was a kid. I was a tomboy, loved horses and archery. I've been doing it for years, and I've improved a lot."

She saw no reason to hide her skill; Richard had likely seen her compete at Nocturne Arena.

Richard nodded. "Alright then, I'll give you a bow."

A waiter promptly arrived with a box, placed it on the table, and left.

Tiffany was unsure what to expect, but Richard gestured for her to open it.

After cleaning her hands, Tiffany opened the box. Inside was a stunning silver bow and arrow set, with a soft glow. It seemed to be made of a special, lightweight yet incredibly strong material, surpassing even iron.

Richard grinned slightly. "They call this the Galaxy. It's powerful, feather-light, but deadly. I don't need it, so I thought you should have it."

Galaxy. A beautiful name. Tiffany knew she should probably refuse, but holding the bow, it felt perfect, too good to pass up.

"Thank you so much, Richard!" she said, accepting the gift with gratitude and some awkwardness.

They were practically strangers, yet he had already helped her several times, and now this. She vowed to repay his kindness.

"Try it," Richard suggested, pointing to a small ornament on the wall. "See if you can hit it."

Easily, Tiffany aimed, stepped back, and fired. The ornament fell. She'd held back; otherwise, the arrow would have pierced the wall.

Richard nodded, impressed. "Nice."

"Your turn," Tiffany said, handing him the bow, her eyes sparkling with excitement. People said Richard could do anything; archery would likely be easy for him.

Tiffany's guard was down; she was beginning to see that the powerful Richard wasn't so intimidating after all.

Richard took the bow and arrow, aimed at the same target, and hit the figure's eye with pinpoint accuracy. His skill far surpassed hers.

Tiffany was about to praise him when he turned, his grin vanishing, replaced by a chilling expression. It was like facing the devil himself.

In an instant, the arrow was pointed at her forehead.

Tiffany's blood ran cold. Was he joking?

Panicked, she recalled a recent nightmare where Richard discovered her plan against the Harpers and flew into a rage, seizing her by the throat. His current expression was identical.

Until now, life had been easy for Tiffany. But this was a stark warning. Death wasn't just knocking; it was breaking in. The reality sent shivers down her spine.

Instinctively, Tiffany yelled, "Richard!"

He said nothing. He released the bowstring, and the arrow flew towards her forehead.

(Note: I removed the website promotion lines and replaced the censored words with appropriate substitutes. The story still contains some implied violence, however.)