June was slightly surprised. She had long heard of Richard’s swift and decisive business methods and the shocking legends surrounding him. Even so, she was stunned when she saw him in person. She thought, "This is a very dangerous man."
Tiffany remained calm facing Richard. Stepping forward, she greeted him: "Hello, Mr. Hampton."
Richard was somewhat caught off guard. He hadn't expected Sidney's jinx to come true, surprised to find the Miracle Healer was such a young woman. He replied, "Hi."
Tiffany asked, "Where's the patient?" Then, going straight to the point, she smiled and said, "Can I take a look at the patient now?"
Richard replied, "Of course." He had specially invited her for this purpose, admiring her directness. He personally led Tiffany to the second floor. Sidney stopped June from following. "June, let's wait downstairs," Sidney said, politely inviting June to sit on the couch.
Royal Bay was Richard's favorite residence; no outsider had ever set foot in this private domain. Richard, obsessed with cleanliness, made an exception for Evan's treatment.
June was worried, but Tiffany gave her a reassuring look. June waited on the couch while Tiffany followed Richard to the second floor. After passing through a long corridor and an empty lounge, they stopped at a door. Richard opened it to reveal a simple yet luxurious room.
Tiffany entered and saw a child lying on a large bed. The child was good-looking, but his eyes were tightly shut, his breathing weak. He was in a vegetative state.
Richard stood calmly beside him, saying, "He injured his head a year ago and became a vegetable. Does he have a chance of recovery?"
Tiffany didn't answer immediately. She checked the child's pupils and pulse carefully, then looked directly into Richard's eyes. "Yes," she replied, "but it will take time."
Hearing her calm confidence, Richard stared intently. "How long?" he asked.
Tiffany thought for a moment. "Well… I think he can recover within a month."
Richard replied, "Okay." He had initially given up hope for Evan, even Sidney couldn't heal him. This young woman, however, breathed hope into the possibility of Evan's recovery. If Evan recovered, Richard would fulfill his sister's dying wish. He asked, "What do you want?" Stepping forward, he looked intently into Tiffany's eyes.
Tiffany subconsciously took a step back, replying calmly, "I haven't thought about it yet, but perhaps one day I'll need your help, Mr. Hampton. We'll be even then…"
Actually, even without a reward, Tiffany would have helped; she owed him. However, Richard frowned slightly at her answer, looking dissatisfied. Unsure of his thoughts, Tiffany tentatively asked, "Mr. Hampton, is there a problem?"
Richard thought, There's a huge problem. What if this Miracle Healer has any… inappropriate thoughts about me? Sidney might have really jinxed this. If this girl asks me for marriage, I can't possibly agree. While the possibility was slim, he needed to avoid a misunderstanding.
Richard ordered, "Change it. I'll satisfy you with wealth or fame."
Tiffany argued, "But I don't—" She lacked nothing. Then, a flash of inspiration struck her. "You're worried I'll ask you to devote your life to me, aren't you?" she blurted out.
Richard remained silent. Seeing his cold, reluctant face, Tiffany knew she'd guessed correctly. After a moment of silence, she burst into laughter, laughing until she teared up, supporting herself on the table. After a long while, she calmed down, her bright eyes sparkling with tears, a charming playfulness replacing her initial ordinary expression. Holding back her laughter, she assured him, "Mr. Hampton, you're overthinking. I promise if I need your help, I won't force you against your wishes. Or, if you're worried, I can sign a contract."
Richard replied, "That won't be necessary." His handsome face cold, he ordered, "You may start your treatment now."
Tiffany said, "Sure." Confident in her skill, she didn't mind spectators. She placed her bag on the table, revealing rows of silver needles shimmering with a cold light. She focused intently.
An hour later, Evan's body was covered in needles from head to toe. Tiffany's forehead was covered in sweat; the acupuncture wasn't labor-intensive, but required intense concentration.
"Alright," Tiffany announced, finishing the last needle without looking up, "we need to wait two hours before I can remove the needles."
Richard leaned against the wall, watching her slender figure. From his angle, he saw her thick eyelashes casting a faint shadow on her face, her cherry-red lips mesmerizing. At first glance, she was ordinary, but she emanated a unique aura, her crystal-clear eyes captivating. Her back looked strangely familiar. He narrowed his eyes, sensing a familiarity he couldn't place. He rarely remembered women, but had no recollection of meeting her before. He wondered if it was simply déjà vu.
After finishing, Tiffany casually wiped her sweat and blinked. "Mr. Hampton, can I get some water?" she asked. Since they needed to wait, they didn't need to stay in the room.
Richard raised an eyebrow. "Of course." He brought her to the second-floor lounge. A servant immediately offered water, snacks, and fruit.
"Miss, do you need anything else?" the servant asked respectfully.
"I'm good. Thank you," Tiffany replied.
Tiffany sat and ate slowly. Richard received a call. "Excuse me," he said, entering a room that looked like a study. The servant also left, leaving Tiffany alone in the huge lounge. She realized outsiders weren't allowed; even servants couldn't access the second floor without permission.
After resting, Tiffany got up to walk around. As a guest, she followed etiquette, avoiding other rooms, but decided to wander the lounge. The villa was enormous; the lounge spacious and well-lit, offering an unobstructed view through floor-to-ceiling windows. She strolled towards the window, stepping on something under the heavy silk carpet, hearing a soft pattering sound.