The moonlight was soft and luminous, casting a gentle glow over the quiet streets at three in the morning. The streetlights formed a ribbon of light, like a path through the stars.

Tiffany jogged to the car and tapped on the window. Richard smiled and rolled it down.

“Hey, I’ve got something I want to give you,” Tiffany said, opening the door without waiting for a response. “Come on, get out here.”

The chauffeur and his assistant were stunned. They couldn’t believe someone would be so casual, almost impolite, in front of Richard. Everyone in Lovell City knew Richard was not a man to be trifled with.

But, to their surprise, Richard wasn’t upset. He got out of the car. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” Tiffany said, smiling up at him.

“You said you had something to give me. What is it?” Richard asked calmly.

For a moment, Tiffany hesitated. She’d acted on impulse, but now felt embarrassed. She worried Richard might think the gift was beneath him. Backing out wasn’t an option; if she joked, Richard might not take it well.

As she hesitated, Richard leaned closer. “So, what is it?” he asked softly.

Tiffany looked up at his handsome face, momentarily lost for words. Quickly regaining her composure, she removed the necklace she’d worn since childhood.

“This is my good luck charm,” she said, holding it out. “It’s supposed to bring good fortune and keep danger away. I want you to have it.” Her voice wavered, betraying her uncertainty.

As she feared, Richard frowned. “Why would you give this to me?” he asked.

“Because your life is so dangerous,” she replied softly. “There’s always someone trying to hurt you. Maybe this could bring you some luck.”

Richard was taken aback. No one had ever said anything like that, not even his family. The people around him were usually self-serving or plotting his downfall.

He could hardly believe Tiffany genuinely cared. He knew her well enough to see past her innocent exterior—he knew how cold and calculating she could be. But something in her words and the way she offered the charm made him believe her concern was real.

Tiffany, noticing his lack of reaction, started to pull the necklace back. “Sorry, I was being silly. Why would you want something like this? I’ll get you something better next time. Goodbye!”

She felt relieved; she still wanted the necklace. But as she turned to leave, Richard caught her shoulder. He moved in front of her and snatched the necklace.

“You said you were giving this to me, didn’t you? You can’t go back on your word,” he said, putting it around his neck. The silver crescent moon pendant suited him perfectly.

Tiffany marveled at how effortlessly he wore it. She waved. “Anyway, thanks for everything today. I’m heading home now. See you.”

As Tiffany returned to her car, Richard did the same. He touched the necklace and smiled, remembering Tiffany’s words. I didn’t expect her to believe in this kind of thing. Well, maybe she’s a little more naive than I thought, he thought.

But neither Richard nor Tiffany could have imagined how important that necklace would become.

The next morning, Tiffany went to the hospital to visit Sandra, who had been injured saving her mother. At the door, she ran into Kenneth.

Kenneth hesitated before asking, “Are you okay?”

Lovell City’s high society had heard about Tiffany’s kidnapping.

“I’m fine,” she replied coldly. Kenneth’s concern didn’t move her.

In the ward, Sandra was awake.

“Tiffany, you’re here! I’m so happy to see you!” Sandra exclaimed.

To Kenneth, she added softly, “Kenneth, I’m a bit hungry. Could you get us some breakfast?”

“Sure,” Kenneth agreed.

Tiffany knew Sandra was trying to get rid of Kenneth. She laughed cryptically. “Feeling pretty pleased with yourself, aren’t you?”

“Of course.” Sandra dropped the act. “You went to a lot of trouble to try and get rid of me, didn’t you, Tiffany? But all your efforts were for nothing,” she said smugly.

Sandra had always used sympathy to her advantage. When she woke up, Tiffany’s parents were there, genuinely concerned. Instead of pleading for Stan, Sandra agreed with Charlie’s decision to send him away. She assured Charlie she’d help his family, hoping to make amends for her father’s mistakes. Charlie, moved by her sincerity, no longer planned to send her away. It doesn’t matter if my parents are kicked out, as long as I can stay with the Kelley family, I’ll still have a chance to take Tiffany down, Sandra thought.

Tiffany stepped closer, looming over Sandra, her gaze sharp. She gripped Sandra’s chin. “I hope you don’t just have one life,” Tiffany said softly, her voice chilling. “Because I’d love the pleasure of killing you more than once.”

The calmness in her tone sent a shiver down Sandra’s spine.

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