Chapter 558

Thinking about her dream, Tiffany felt frustrated. The dream had felt too real, and even though she knew it wasn't true, she was still upset.

"I don't want to talk to you anymore!" she exclaimed.

Richard chuckled at her outburst. "Don't worry," he said reassuringly. "That wasn't me. If you're ever in danger, I'd save you, no matter what. Even if it cost me my life."

His tone was steady, his words sincere. Tiffany blinked, taken aback by his promise. "What if you can't save me?" she asked softly.

Without hesitation, Richard took her hand, intertwining their fingers. "Then I'll stay with you," he said. "Life or death, heaven or hell, I'll be by your side, no matter what."

Tiffany's heart trembled. A strange warmth spread through her chest. Richard's promise filled her with comfort, replacing her fear. The deep sea didn't seem so terrifying anymore.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly. "Me too," she whispered.

As she leaned back, he caught her waist, pulling her close. Their kiss deepened, slow and passionate. For a long moment, they were lost in their own world.

Eventually, Tiffany pulled back, her cheeks flushed. She playfully smacked his shoulder. Richard reluctantly let go.

Tiffany glared at him, but before she could speak, her stomach growled loudly. "I'm hungry!" she declared.

"I'll make something for you," Richard replied immediately.

As he released her, his gaze drifted toward her stomach with an odd expression. Tiffany's heart skipped a beat. Ever since a certain someone had been indulgent last time, Richard seemed to lack self-control. And it was just Tiffany's luck that her cycle had recently ended. 'Surely, I can't be pregnant so soon, right?' she thought.

Lost in thought, Tiffany leaned back, resting her chin on her hand.

Ten minutes later, Richard brought out two steaming hot meals. Despite being lightweight and sleek, the yacht was large and fully equipped. Someone had clearly stocked fresh ingredients before their departure.

The delicious aroma immediately caught Tiffany's attention. She took a bite and exclaimed, "This is amazing!" The steak was perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful. Even the side dishes were impressive. Tiffany was surprised. For someone as pampered as Richard, his cooking skills were unexpectedly impressive.

Tiffany had to admit it: she'd found a gem.

After finishing her meal, Tiffany wiped her mouth, completely satisfied. They still had a long way to go before reaching the open sea; at least three more hours, she estimated.

Tiffany sighed. The Blood Lotus, long thought extinct, was said to grow on a mysterious island that appeared only during specific tides. She remembered her grandfather telling her about it when she was young. He'd explained that you could only find the island by reading the stars and predicting the tides.

Determined, Tiffany gazed at the sky, searching for clues. But exhaustion overtook her, and she drifted off to sleep.

She woke to the sound of movement. Rubbing her eyes, she noticed the yacht's driver leaving in a small speedboat. Confused, she turned to Richard, who lounged on the deck, relaxed and unfazed.

"Why did you let him leave?" she asked, frowning. "How are we supposed to get back? Who will drive the yacht?"

Richard smiled and pointed to the sky. "Look."

Tiffany followed his gesture, noticing a familiar pattern in the stars. "That's it!" she exclaimed, jumping to her feet. "The star formation! Grandpa told me about this!" This meant the tide was changing, and the island was about to appear.

Minutes turned into hours as they waited. Slowly, the seawater shifted, revealing the edges of an island. By dawn, the entire landmass emerged.

"There it is!" Tiffany shouted, pointing.

Richard quickly guided the yacht closer, and they stepped onto the island. The island was lush with greenery, and Tiffany spotted rare herbs she'd only read about in books. She understood why Richard had sent the crew away. If anyone else discovered this island, the precious herbs would be harvested to extinction.

They ventured deeper, searching for the Blood Lotus. The clock was ticking; the tides would eventually rise again.

Tiffany glanced at Richard. "Let's split up to cover more ground," she suggested.

Richard said, "No need for that."

Before Tiffany could protest, Richard scooped her up effortlessly. "Hold on tight," he said.