More than an hour earlier, Charlie had gone to visit the lawyer late at night. Gloom shrouded the Kelley family. Despite the servant's attempts to prevent him, Eric asked the driver to take him to Royal Bay. A man (presumably a servant) opened the door for him, but Garry blocked him outside.

Garry informed Eric that his future brother-in-law was very busy and would only see him later. Hearing this, Eric felt close to tears. Worried about his sister's safety, he had been anxious throughout the journey. He knew the situation was dire, even beyond his father's help.

The young boy, therefore, pinned all his hopes on his future brother-in-law, but couldn't even see him despite being at his home. He fought back tears and relayed his sister's arrest to Garry. Garry then took him to the laboratory behind Royal Bay.

There, Eric saw sophisticated instruments, vast data systems, and advanced experiments he didn't understand. Many people worked inside, including Richard. Upon learning the situation, Richard immediately stopped working and came out, reassuring Eric, "You did the right thing."

Eric was stunned, experiencing the relief of a long journey's end. He was touched that his brother-in-law prioritized his sister. Richard, controlling his anger, gently said, "I'll have someone take you home. Tell your family not to worry, okay?"

"Okay," Eric nodded.

"Good boy." Richard then sent Eric home with the driver, while he took another car to the police station. Less than an hour later, Tiffany returned.

In Eric's eyes, Richard was omnipotent. He greeted Richard enthusiastically, "Please sit down."

"Okay," Richard smiled, sitting opposite Tiffany.

Charlie felt bitter, envisioning his daughter leaving with Richard and never returning. Nevertheless, he was grateful to Richard for Tiffany's release that night. Family visits were prohibited during detention, making every moment agonizing.

Tiffany's safe return was a relief. Charlie glanced at the time: five in the morning, almost dawn. "Mr. Hampton, why don't you stay for breakfast?" Thalia offered. "You haven't slept all night and must be tired. The kitchen is still slow." She smiled at Tiffany, adding, "What are you waiting for? Take your friend upstairs to rest."

"Oh," Tiffany replied, getting up. Turning to Richard, she said, "Follow me, my friend!" The last two words were practically spat out. She finally understood his insistence on accompanying her; he was there to claim credit.

Richard's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Okay," he said. Everything had gone more smoothly than expected. Currying favor with his future mother-in-law would easily overcome obstacles.

Before heading upstairs, he thanked Thalia politely, "Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Kelley."

Thalia smiled, "Consider it your home. Don't stand on ceremony."

Tiffany led him to a guest room. Standing in the doorway, she said, "Go in and sleep for a while."

Richard calmly pushed her against the door, his coldness melting into charm. "Looks like I won't have to climb the window today," he murmured, his voice seductive.

Tiffany understood. He entered openly, a significant improvement from before. Before she could speak, he gently bit her ear. Tiffany stiffened.

His voice, restrained yet intense, whispered, "I'll let you go now, but one day, I'll drag you into my room openly."

Tiffany's face flushed. She pushed him away, fleeing to her room, locking the door, and leaning against the wall, panting. 'Bad man!'

"You run pretty fast," Richard chuckled, his smile deepening.

Outside, John watched the time, admiring Richard. He'd likely be staying as long as he liked. John marveled at his boss's skill. Rumors circulated about Richard's awkwardness with women, but he was clearly an expert.

John waited until ten o'clock. Richard was usually punctual, regardless of workload. His absence was unusual, particularly after abandoning a significant project the previous night for Tiffany's sake. This powerful man showed potential for reckless behavior.

Just as John was complaining, Richard emerged. "Go to the company," he instructed calmly.

John drove, glancing at Richard in the rearview mirror. Noticing Richard's contented smile, John asked, "Mr. Hampton, you seem in a good mood."

To John's surprise, Richard simply replied, "Not bad."

Thalia invited Richard for a walk with Tiffany, and he stayed longer than planned, enjoying the opportunity. Watching Tiffany's adorable grumpiness, his spirits soared. Their departure was past ten o'clock, but the delay proved worthwhile.

Richard leaned back, closing his eyes with a faint smile on his lips.

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