Tiffany Kelley knew better than anyone that many things in this world were not coincidences. One had to be extremely lucky for everything to go smoothly. The so-called "comeuppance" was simply strong support and protection.

Thinking about this, Tiffany realized she was increasingly indebted to Richard Hampton. Therefore, after classes that afternoon, she got into her car with her backpack and headed for Royal Bay, carrying two very cute dolls. The female doll wore a small wedding dress, and the male doll wore a groom's suit. They were adorable.

Tiffany put away the female doll. Looking at the male doll's handsome eyes and ambiguous smile, she thought he strongly resembled Richard Hampton, perhaps what he looked like as a child.

In the car, she imagined Richard's reaction to the doll. Would he be surprised, happy, or think it childish? Probably both. Tiffany burst out laughing and pinched the doll's face.

Soon, the car arrived at Royal Bay. Tiffany entered the estate; its high-tech security system automatically admitted her after scanning her face.

After passing through the main gate, she crossed the lawn and garden to the villa's front door. Just as she was about to enter, the door swung open, revealing not John Ross or Garry York, but a beautiful woman. The woman, with well-defined features, gorgeous and flamboyant, wore a bathrobe, having clearly just bathed.

Tiffany was surprised. This was the first woman she'd seen in the villa. Previously, Mia Lee and Wendy Trujillo had been turned away at the gate, despite repeated visits. This woman's presence, in a bathrobe, implied she was staying there with Richard's approval.

While Tiffany was stunned, the woman sized her up. She noted Tiffany's beauty, calling her a classic beauty who could "launch a thousand ships." No wonder, she mused, Richard was captivated.

The woman smiled and extended her hand. "Hello. You must be Miss Tiffany Kelley. I'm Yvonne Shaw."

Tiffany shook her hand briefly. "It seems you know me, Miss Shaw?"

"Of course, Miss Kelley. Before I returned, Garry York and Sidney Pauley mentioned you often. Meeting you in person, you live up to your reputation." Yvonne's smile held an underlying meaning—a warning not to pursue men, especially those she shouldn't.

Tiffany, instead of anger, felt like laughing. "Miss Shaw, are you finished? Can you move aside?"

Yvonne saw Tiffany as a love rival, but Tiffany considered her a nuisance, blocking the doorway.

Yvonne's smile froze. "Mr. Hampton isn't here. If you need something, you can tell me, Miss Kelley." She emphasized "tell me."

Tiffany pushed past her. Yvonne followed, seemingly determined to prevent Tiffany from seeing Richard. She even poured Tiffany a glass of water.

Tiffany called Richard repeatedly, but the line was busy or unanswered. Finally, Yvonne said languidly, "He's very busy. He might not return today. If you have something important, I can pass a message." She noticed the doll. "This doll is very cute."

Tiffany, unwilling to wait, prepared to leave, placing the doll down. "Please give this to Mr. Hampton for me. Thank you."

"Will do," Yvonne replied. But the moment Tiffany left, Yvonne scornfully tossed the doll in the trash.

Richard returned around midnight. Seeing the doll in the trash, he frowned. "Who's been here?"

Yvonne smiled. "Nobody. It was mine. I threw it away because it was dirty."

Richard didn't respond. Yvonne followed him. "Mr. Hampton, Garry York received news. Many assassins will arrive in two days. If we follow them"

Before she finished, she heard, "Intercept and neutralize the threat. Leave no one alive."

Yvonne was stunned. Richard's cold eyes and determined face warned her that she was just a subordinate. She mustn't overstep.

Still, she felt indignant. Years of planning and searching for a treasure were jeopardized by Tiffany's arrival, causing him to eliminate the assassins.

Looking at the doll, Yvonne scornfully issued a different order to her subordinates: "Keep an eye on the assassins to find the key. Ignore everyone on the hit list, regardless of injury or death." Tiffany's name was on that list.

Yvonne chuckled, likening the situation to the mantis, cicada, and oriole. By following the assassins, she'd find the key and eliminate the threat, even if it meant disobeying Richard, who would likely overlook it once the key was found.