Chapter 486

The moment Tiffany went downstairs, Grelle approached with a worried expression. "Tiffany," she said, "don't anger Mr. Hampton! His injuries haven't healed."

Tiffany remained silent, studying the girl. She wondered if Grelle's push in the arena had been deliberate. If not for that forceful shove, she wouldn't have fallen, and the three poisoned needles wouldn't have pierced her bones. The pain still lingered.

"Grelle," Tiffany said.

"What's wrong?" Grelle looked as timid as a scolded child. "Tiffany, did I upset you?"

Tiffany said nothing and left Royal Bay. Before reaching the villa's entrance, she overheard Grelle's surprised question, "Mr. Hampton, how are your injuries? Are you feeling better?"

Tiffany froze, unwilling to hear Richard's response. She quickened her pace and left, entering her car and saying shakily, "June, drive."

Jane, waiting outside, noticed Tiffany's distress. "Miss Kelley," she asked, "what's wrong? What happened?"

"Don't worry," Tiffany replied. "Let's go to the hospital."

"Yes!" The car sped away.

Sidney, watching from the window, murmured, "She's gone."

Richard remained impassive, his expression cold and unapproachable. Grelle cautiously approached, concern etched on her face, and attempted to touch his arm. Before she could, his chilling gaze—bottomless and cold—stopped her.

Grelle froze, pale.

Finally, Richard spoke. "What do you want?"

Grelle shook her head. "Nothing. I just I just want to be by your side. If I can make you happy, it'll be worth it."

Richard's cold demeanor didn't diminish Grelle's elation at his single word: "Okay." Overwhelmed with joy, she almost cried. He agreed! she thought. My efforts have paid off! But Richard's powerful aura held her rooted to the spot, her admiration evident.

Chapter 186

Richard dismissed Grelle, who, though reluctant, left obediently. She had made significant progress and didn't dare ask for more. There was still a long way to go.

After Grelle's departure, Sidney's jaw dropped. "Richard," he exclaimed, "are you serious?" He believed Richard's actions stemmed from Tiffany's presence.

Richard simply said, "Investigate. I want to know everything that happened in the arena today."

"Yes!" his subordinate replied.

At the hospital, Tiffany went straight to Romeo's ward. His condition had improved, though the ordeal had aged him considerably. Upon Tiffany's arrival, he seemed to have just awakened.

"Romeo," Tiffany called.

He didn't recognize her at first, exclaiming in shock, "Why is it you?"

"I came to see you," Tiffany said, sitting beside him. June, understanding, left to stand guard outside.

Romeo sighed. "Tiffany, you're here for a reason, right?"

"That's right," Tiffany replied, revealing the Treasure Box. Romeo's reaction was one of overwhelming obsession and madness. "It's the Treasure Box!" he cried, clutching it tightly.

Tiffany began, "Romeo, I have a question."

"Ask," he replied.

"How did the Treasure Box end up with you?" Romeo's excitement vanished. Trembling, he asked, "What do you know?"

"Nothing. That's why I'm asking," Tiffany said. "Only you can answer. After all these years, it must be tiring to keep this secret."

Romeo remained silent. Tiffany waited patiently; she needed answers.

Everyone knew the Treasure Box belonged to the Azure Sea Royal Family. Over ten years ago, the princess disappeared with it. Various organizations had investigated.

Chapter 486 (Continued)

Tiffany pondered: The Treasure Box is with Romeo—how strange! Since it's in Lovell City, where is the Azure Sea princess? How did the box fall into Romeo's hands? Too many unanswered questions. After many years, only Romeo held the answers. Tiffany waited. Finally, Romeo pushed the box toward her. He said, struggling, "Because… because the Treasure Box is yours!"

"Mine?" Tiffany asked. "Explain."

Romeo sighed, his aged face filled with regret. "Do you know why I opposed your engagement with Kenneth? Why I forced you together?"

"Why?" Tiffany asked.

"Because I wanted the Treasure Box, and I needed your help to get it. So… I had to do this."

This revelation stunned Tiffany. Her suspicions were confirmed. She understood why she’d passed those Azure Sea checkpoints with ease; even the black bear recognized her. So that's how it is! she thought.