Chapter 687
The enemy seemed to know the Azure Sea Royal Family's estate better than Richard did. They used this advantage to slip away. Since he was already there, Richard couldn't allow this hidden danger to remain. He spent a day investigating the person who had tried to harm Tiffany. Upon locating the restricted zone, he saw Tiffany enter the castle alone and followed her, choosing this moment to act.
After hearing his explanation, Tiffany felt much better. "You should have told me! I was so worried!" she said, still slightly upset.
"I know, and I promise there won't be a next time," Richard replied gently, wiping away her tears and kissing her eyelid.
Tiffany blushed, especially remembering her recent loss of appetite and vomiting after soup the previous day. Elsa had suggested pregnancy. Tiffany hadn't had a chance to confirm it and wondered if it was too soon to tell Richard.
She hesitated, carefully choosing her words. Just as she was about to speak, she heard a faint sound from the bed. The silver needles had been left in too long, reversing the process instead of expelling the poison.
Tiffany quickly left Richard's embrace, rushed to the bed, and removed all the needles. The woman was even paler, but Tiffany administered two spirit herbs, checked her pulse, and sighed in relief when she confirmed the woman's condition had stabilized.
Richard approached, his expression serious. "You really want to save her?"
Kajus had intended to eliminate Tiffany. If Tiffany hadn't arrived first, Richard would have already destroyed the castle.
Tiffany nodded, her face hardening. "I'll save her, but not for nothing." It was a transaction. Though Kajus had provoked her, she might need his help, so it was better to keep him on her side for now.
"As you wish," Richard said indulgently, deferring to Tiffany's wishes.
Tiffany focused, her expression serious. "I need to needle her again." The poison was stubborn, and the extended time had caused side effects, necessitating another acupuncture session.
Completely focused, Tiffany worked without distraction. Richard watched her with adoration and tenderness, a warm smile on his face.
This session took even longer. Two hours later, Tiffany sighed in relief, withdrew her hands, and Richard wiped the sweat from her brow.
"Are you tired?" Richard asked.
"A little," Tiffany replied, smiling. "But it worked."
Tiffany smiled. "It's done!"
Just then, Kajus, who had been pacing outside, knocked impatiently. "How is it? What's going on in there?"
"Come in," Tiffany called.
The door swung open. Kajus's gaze fell on the woman; her pallor remained severe, but her breathing was steadier, and her pulse stronger. He was surprised. His eyes then shifted to Tiffany and the man standing beside her. The man radiated an intimidating aura, dressed with an air of aristocratic superiority, his face cold and menacing.
Kajus raised an eyebrow, surprised yet unsurprised. Two nights earlier, after his failed kidnapping attempt and subsequent pursuit, he'd realized he'd crossed paths with someone far beyond his capabilities. It had been too dark to see faces, but recognition dawned instantly.
"It's you?" Kajus's expression flickered as he looked between Richard and Tiffany, his eyes betraying unease and disbelief. This restricted zone was his domain, heavily fortified. He'd allowed Tiffany entry, monitoring her movements, yet Richard had infiltrated undetected.
Kajus was shaken. He had finally met the ruthless Richard. If he'd known, he never would have attempted the kidnapping. There was no turning back.
Suppressing his unease, Kajus asked, "How is she?"
"Stable," Tiffany replied, checking the time. "She should wake up soon."
"That fast?" Kajus's tone was skeptical. It seemed too good to be true. He'd spent years seeking the best medical experts, to no avail. He wouldn't have risked activating the powerful array formation otherwise. Years of disappointment made Tiffany's words feel like a mockery.
Chapter 687
Kajus felt anxiety, hope, and fear of another letdown. Just then, Morwen stormed in, yanked a silver needle from her upper lip, and scoffed. "What a shameless lie!" She didn't believe it. From the moment Tiffany had inserted the needle, claiming it would render her mute if removed, she'd been suspicious. Morwen had endured the discomfort, but her impatience finally led her to remove the needle. Her speech was unaffected. She realized Tiffany had been manipulating her.
Stomping her foot, Morwen said, "Kajus, he's tricking you! Why haven't you captured her yet?"
Tiffany gave her an amused glance. "You really played mute for hours. How obedient."
Morwen retorted, "You're nothing but a fraud!"
"Admit you're stupid. Stop making excuses for your gullibility."
"You…" Morwen, livid and furious, lunged at Tiffany. Tiffany remained calm. Richard was ready to intervene, but chaos erupted.
The unconscious woman on the bed suddenly opened her eyes, leaped off the bed, and lunged at Tiffany. Everyone's attention was on Morwen; they couldn't react in time. The woman's knife struck Morwen instead of Tiffany, plunging into her back.