That evening, Tiffany locked her bedroom door and rummaged through her belongings. She remembered having several masks from years past, needed for disguises at the treasure appraisal event to avoid recognition. Fortunately, she found them. Tiffany breathed a sigh of relief and carefully cleaned the dusty masks.

These masks were custom-made by James to fit her face perfectly. With makeup, even up close, they were nearly impossible to distinguish from real skin.

Tiffany carefully packed the masks in her bag. As she was about to go to bed, her phone rang. "Hello?" she answered.

"It's me," a magnetic, charming voice said.

Tiffany sat up abruptly. "Richard?" she asked.

"Yes," he replied, chuckling. "Surprised?"

"Not at all," Tiffany yawned, casually asking, "What's up so late?"

"Is the favor I asked for still valid?" Richard said.

"Of course," Tiffany replied.

Richard had asked for her help the previous Friday when he dropped her off. She'd forgotten about it due to Sidney's situation. Since she had no classes the next day but had to attend the appraisal event in the afternoon, she tentatively asked, "What time tomorrow? I want to visit Zoe in the hospital first."

"Let's do it together. I'll pick you up in the morning," Richard said.

"Okay," Tiffany agreed. The afternoon appraisal event allowed her an easy excuse to slip away if necessary.

The next morning, a car was parked outside Cedar Ridge Villa. Fortunately, Charlie had left for work early, and Thalia had taken Eric to his painting class, leaving Tiffany alone. Otherwise, the Hampton family car might have caused problems with the Kelleys.

After a quick tidy-up, Tiffany got into the car. Richard sat calmly in the backseat, working on his laptop, seemingly in a video conference. Tiffany waited quietly. A few minutes later, he closed the laptop.

"Not busy today?" Tiffany finally asked.

"Not busy," Richard said, placing a breakfast from a local eatery in front of her. "Try this new sandwich from Velvet & Vine."

Tiffany's eyes lit up. She enjoyed the sandwich during the drive. After finishing, she commented, "It's great. Velvet & Vine never disappoints."

"In the future, you can go anytime or have it delivered," Richard added.

"Sure," Tiffany readily accepted.

At the hospital, only Zoe was receiving an IV drip. Sidney, due to his strong constitution, had already left for work at Mercy Hospital. Richard didn't enter the ward, saying, "I'll find Sidney. Call me when you're done."

"Okay," Tiffany replied.

Zoe was pleasantly surprised to see Tiffany. "I've been waiting for you!" she exclaimed.

"Feeling better?" Tiffany asked.

"Much better! I'll be going home after these IV drips," Zoe replied.

"That's good," Tiffany said. Then, remembering something, she asked, "By the way, what school are you at? I need to know for future reference."

Zoe hesitated. "I haven't been attending classes lately."

Tiffany immediately suspected expulsion. "Could it be because of the kidnapping?" she asked.

"Yeah," Zoe admitted. "The classmate I saved was ungrateful. She criticized me, and I got expelled." She quickly changed the subject. "Let's not talk about her. What happened to the kidnappers?"

"They're doing well, with food and accommodation, occasional outings. They'll be out in about ten years," Tiffany said. "Does your family know you've been expelled?"

"No," Zoe answered.

"Then say you transferred schools," Tiffany suggested.

"Got it," Zoe nodded, then looked confused. "Wait, what do you mean by that?"

"It means, since you've pledged loyalty, I'm not going to treat you poorly," Tiffany smiled, rubbing Zoe's head. "Come to Lovell City's school tomorrow. I'll handle the enrollment."

"Great!" Zoe readily agreed.

After a while, Tiffany left. As she exited Zoe's ward, Richard and Sidney arrived.

"All done?" Richard asked, raising an eyebrow.

Tiffany nodded. Sidney, about to speak to Richard, was ignored as Richard whisked Tiffany away. Sidney sighed, feeling a chill. 'What's with this sudden abandonment?'

It was noon. Richard didn't discuss business but took Tiffany to lunch. Instead of Velvet & Vine, they went to a Lovell City pizza place. Tiffany loved it.

It was striking how Richard's choices always seemed to match Tiffany's preferences. She simply attributed it to similar tastes.

After lunch, Richard paid. Tiffany asked about the favor.

"You'll find out when we get there," Richard replied.

Tiffany was stunned when they arrived at the treasure appraisal event. She hadn't expected him to bring her directly. All she could think was, "Richard forever!"

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