Chapter 697

Tiffany hadn't seen Molly in a few days. Since Molly had turned in Jeffrey, Tiffany had stopped following news about the Ruiz family. She had heard, however, that Jeffrey's wife had repeatedly caused scenes at the entrance of Cedar Ridge Villa. Eventually, Thalia ordered security to remove her.

Jeffrey's trial moved quickly. Charged with attempted murder, escape from custody, injuring a forest ranger, and assaulting the ranger's daughter, he received a death sentence. The verdict sparked further chaos from Jeffrey's wife. On the worst day of her protests, news broke that Jeffrey's company had collapsed; his secretary had absconded with a large sum of money, their secret relationship revealed during the investigation. The Ruiz family crumbled under the weight of scandal and debt.

Tiffany came downstairs to find Molly waiting on the sofa. Hearing footsteps, Molly stood up, smiling. "Little cousin, it's been days! You've lost weight."

Tiffany smiled faintly and sat down. "I haven't had much of an appetite lately." Without hesitation, she asked, "Cousin, are you here for help?" Tiffany had heard about the Ruiz family's downfall. Thalia had made it clear she wouldn't offer more than basic survival assistance. If Molly was here, it must be related.

But Molly shook her head. "No, the company's debts have mostly been cleared by selling off properties and assets. That's not why I'm here."

Tiffany nodded, waiting.

"I'm going abroad to study," Molly said. "You know my father never supported my passion for research. Now, while I'm still young, I want to try again. I came to say goodbye."

Tiffany's eyes softened. "That's a great idea. When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow."

"So soon?" Tiffany was surprised. Tiffany had always seen Molly as quiet and obedient, rarely defying her parents. Even when she wanted something different, she'd be scolded and quickly retreat. Now, with the family in ruins, Molly seemed free, showing determination and hope instead of defeat.

"You've changed," Tiffany remarked.

"I feel like that too," Molly admitted. "For so long, I admired my father. But now I see him for what he is. I don't pity him. He deserves everything that's happened."

Molly paused, then smiled wryly. "Hearing me talk like this, do you think I'm heartless too?"

"Too? Is that what your family thinks of you?" Tiffany asked, picking up on the implication.

When Jeffrey was on the run, he called home demanding money. Molly refused and urged him to surrender; when he wouldn't, she reported him to the police. The Ruiz family considered this an unforgivable betrayal, labeling her heartless and disobedient.

Molly hesitated, then sighed. "Part of the reason I'm leaving is because of that." But she didn't regret it. She'd done the right thing, and her conscience was clear.

She stood, lightness in her movements. "I should go. Don't worry about me. I'll take care of myself. But you've lost too much weight."

"I'll take you to the airport tomorrow," Tiffany said.

"Okay."

Molly smiled, grateful. This might be their last meeting for years.

"Thank you, Tiffany," Molly said.

"There's nothing to thank me for," Tiffany replied.

Tiffany reached into her bag and produced a card, pressing it into Molly's hand before she could refuse. "It's 100,000 dollars. Take it."

Molly blinked in surprise. "I can't take this."

"It's yours." Tiffany remembered Thalia's previous humiliation at the hands of the Ruiz family, and how Molly had secretly given Thalia her savings—50,000 dollars. Now, Tiffany was repaying her double.

"Take it," Tiffany said, patting Molly's shoulder and walking her to the door. "You leave tomorrow. Go pack your things."

"Alright."

As Molly left, Tiffany turned back toward the villa. A wave of nausea hit her. Covering her mouth, she rushed inside, barely making it to the bathroom before vomiting.

June was alarmed, staying near the door. "Ms. Kelley, are you alright?"

Tiffany's voice came weakly through the running water. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure? Maybe you should go to the hospital," June said worriedly.

When Tiffany emerged, she looked pale but composed. June frowned and grabbed Tiffany's wrist. As someone from Miracle Healer, she knew enough to check for illness. Tiffany tried to pull away, but it was too late. June's expression shifted as she realized the truth. "Ms. Kelley"

"You don't know anything," Tiffany said firmly, leaving no room for argument. "Don't say a word."

June hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

Tiffany returned to her room and lay on her bed, her hand resting lightly on her abdomen. ‘Life,’ she thought, ‘is truly a miracle.’

The next morning, Tiffany drove Molly to the airport.

"Take care and have a safe trip."

"Thank you, Tiffany."

They hugged briefly before Molly disappeared into the bustling crowd.

"June, let's go," Tiffany said, but bumped into someone as she turned.