Chapter 563
Tiffany reacted instantly, dodging the danger with remarkable agility. Oddly, the sound of the knife hitting the wall never came. She turned and froze. The knife was suspended in midair, as if stopped by an invisible force; it couldn't push forward, as though it had struck an unseen barrier.
At that moment, Richard stepped from the car. As he did, the knife dropped to the ground with a metallic thud.
Tiffany walked to his side, arching an eyebrow. She didn't need to ask; she knew this was Richard's doing. His expression gave nothing away, but she didn't press him.
Luckily, the incident happened so quickly that none of the nearby guards noticed anything unusual. Even the driver hadn't turned around in time to witness it.
Tiffany bent to pick up the knife. Her breath hitched as she recognized it. It was identical to the blade used by the shadowy figure who had helped Morwen escape. The strength and angle of the throw confirmed it was the same person.
A note was stuck to the handle. Tiffany opened it to find an unfamiliar address scrawled on the paper. So much for her earlier worries about not being able to track this person. The mysterious figure had revealed their location. They were targeting her.
Tiffany's eyes narrowed as she studied the address. It wasn't too far, right on the border of the Azure Sea's territory. For her grandfather's sake, she had to go.
Determined, she looked up at Richard. Her smaller frame required her to tilt her head to meet his gaze.
"You'll come with me, won't you?" Tiffany asked.
Her question was met with Richard gently pinching her cheek.
"Do you even need to ask?" he replied.
He wrapped an arm around her waist, his expression cold and commanding. Anyone who dares attack my woman like this will pay for it, Richard thought.
Back at the castle, June and the rest of the staff anxiously awaited Tiffany and Richard's return. When they finally walked through the doors, June hurried over.
"Miss, are you okay? Were you hurt?" June asked, scanning Tiffany from head to toe. Seeing Tiffany unscathed, with clean clothes and no signs of injury or distress, June relaxed.
After Tiffany Kelley left yesterday, June learned from the castle staff about the dangers of the sea. The waters were notorious for unpredictable weather, and many who sought the elusive island and its rare medicinal herbs had lost their lives. The thought kept June awake all night, especially knowing Tiffany couldn't swim. Garry tried to reassure June, reminding her that with Richard present, there was no need to worry.
Now, seeing Tiffany safe and sound, June let out a deep sigh of relief and looked at Richard with heartfelt gratitude.
Tiffany chuckled softly. "I'm fine, June. See? Not a scratch. You don't need to worry so much. We'll be making another trip."
Tiffany's next destination was about to be even more dangerous.
"I'll go with you this time," June offered immediately.
Tiffany nodded after a moment's thought. It would be smart to have backup. "Alright. Let's eat quickly and head out."
Garry and the others exchanged glances with Richard, who silently approved. Orders were given, and preparations began.
As they finished their meal, June went upstairs to retrieve a bow and arrows for Tiffany, figuring they might be useful for self-defense.
Just as June was about to head back down, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. Seeing the name, she answered quickly. "Boss?"
James's voice came through. "Where are you?"
"We're with the Azure Sea Royal Family, preparing to head to the border for something Ms. Kelley needs to handle," June explained.
"The border?" James's voice sharpened. "That's a forbidden area. It's far too dangerous. You can't go there!"
"Forbidden?" June echoed, startled.
James rarely showed such alarm. If even he was wary of this place, it had to be truly perilous. But June also knew Tiffany well enough to understand she wouldn't back down.
June replied, "Boss, don't worry. I will take good care of Ms. Kelley."
Hearing someone call for her from downstairs, she quickly hung up. "Coming, coming!" she called back as the group set off for the border of the Azure Sea.
Meanwhile, James was so anxious that his brows furrowed deeply. Unable to ease his worry, he pulled out divination runes. The reading indicated that misfortune would turn into good luck.
Relieved, James let out a breath. Though the outcome wasn't ideal, it was enough to know that Tiffany Kelley's life wasn't in danger. That was all that mattered.
Quickly, James stood, left Luna Villa without hesitation, and headed out, unaware that this marked the beginning of something he couldn't foresee.
The convoy of SUVs drove for over two hours toward the mountainous border of the Azure Sea. The mountains appeared deceptively close, but beyond them, the landscape opened into a vast expanse. Wild grasses, yellowed by the late autumn chill, stretched endlessly. The surrounding trees stood bare, their withered branches patiently awaiting the renewal of spring.
Eventually, the vehicles came to a stop. Ahead, a tall iron fence blocked the way, accompanied by a red warning sign that read, "This is a forbidden area. Turn back now."
The air was eerily still, with crows circling overhead.
Tiffany stepped from the car and assessed the fence. Without hesitation, she ordered, "Clear a path."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Her subordinates moved quickly, using advanced tools to cut through the fence. Within minutes, they had opened a gap wide enough for the group to pass through.
What lay beyond was finally revealed.