Tiffany walked into her home, her mind still buzzing from Richard's intense gaze earlier. She wondered, Did my lingering glances at Sidney stir something in Richard? Everyone in Lovell City knew Richard and Sidney were practically inseparable, their bond deeper than friendship. Rumors even suggested Richard had no interest in women.

Could it be that they're a couple? Tiffany wondered. The more she considered it, the more plausible it seemed. If so, it could work to her advantage. To secure Richard's support, she could appeal to his preferences.

This revelation lifted her spirits, and she entered her family mansion feeling much better. However, as she crossed the threshold, she overheard Selena manipulating her brother.

"Eric, sweetie, you're Father's only son. This massive family business—who else would inherit it but you? Your sister wouldn't survive a day running the company. You need to be careful, or she might try to claim the entire fortune!"

Eric, sprawled on the couch after school, fiddled with a Rubik's Cube while Selena droned on.

"Sweetheart, I'm saying this for your own good. You don't understand now because you're young, but when you grow up, you'll see how much I care!"

Tiffany leaned against the doorframe, a cold smirk playing on her lips. What a twisted idea of "caring," she thought. Every word was designed to drive a wedge between her and her brother. Ironically, Selena told Tiffany a completely different story.

Tiffany remembered falling for Selena's manipulations before. She'd been convinced the family business would go to her brother, and after marrying Kenneth, she'd believed she'd be left with nothing, the Harper family's embarrassing disappointment. How naive she had been! For a long time, she'd distanced herself from her brother out of resentment. Selena's manipulations had corroded their close bond.

Just as Tiffany was about to intervene, Eric looked up. "Are you done? Now it's my turn. First, I have no problem with my sister inheriting everything. Second, my sister is awesome, and you have no right to insult her." He turned and walked away.

Those words were surprisingly mature for an eight-year-old. But Selena wasn't ready to give up. She tried to stir up more trouble.

Eric quickly turned back, a mischievous grin mirroring his sister's striking features. "I recorded everything you just said. I'll let Dad listen to it later."

The threat hung heavy in the air. Selena, caught off guard by the child's retort, stammered, "Eric, honey, I was just teasing. Why so serious?" She laughed nervously, glancing at Tiffany as she entered the room. Selena fell silent.

Seeing his sister, Eric's face lit up. "Sis, come on! I want to show you something cool!" he exclaimed, pulling her toward the stairs.

"Sure!" Tiffany replied, smiling.

Ignoring Selena, the siblings headed upstairs. In Eric's room, Tiffany crouched down. "So, did you really record her?"

Eric shook his head. "Nope, just wanted to scare her! Even if I did, it wouldn't get her kicked out. Dad's not that strict. They're so annoying, always talking bad about you, Sis"

Tiffany sighed, her expression softening. "Don't worry, kiddo. I've got it covered. Just trust me, okay?" Her calm reassurance renewed Eric's confidence. He sensed his sister was different—more grounded and less easily swayed.

After playing video games, Tiffany went to her room. The door was slightly ajar. Her frown deepened; someone had been inside. Everyone knew she disliked people entering her room or touching her belongings. The maids wouldn't dare, so it had to be someone else.

Pushing the door open, Tiffany found Sandra at her vanity, fiddling with a diamond bracelet she'd carefully stored away. The bracelet, a gift from Mrs. Harper after her engagement to Kenneth, was a family heirloom passed down only to Harper daughters-in-law. Tiffany had been thrilled to receive it but kept it hidden for fear of damaging it.

Her eyes widened in shock. Sandra, proudly displaying the bracelet, chuckled, "Why the fuss, Sis? I'm just admiring your beautiful bracelet. I bet you're furious. Probably thinking of hitting me?"

"You think I wouldn't?" Tiffany challenged.

"Oh, I'm sure you would," Sandra retorted, "But if you do, what if something happens to this precious bracelet?"

Sandra's envy was palpable. She was consumed by jealousy. Tiffany had used her privileged status to become Kenneth's fiancée, and now, she'd moved on to Richard. Sandra, seething, had provoked Tiffany by toying with the bracelet. But she underestimated Tiffany's resolve.

Tiffany slapped Sandra twice across the face. The slaps were so swift, Sandra didn't register them until she felt the sting.

"Youyou actually hit me!" Sandra gasped.

Tiffany smirked. She slapped her twice more. "Sandra, you've got some nerve! Sneaking into my room, messing with my stuff, and then gloating? Who do you think you are?" Tiffany showed no mercy to someone who'd practically begged for it.

The final two sentences ("Search the FindNovel.ηet website on Google") have been removed as they are promotional content unrelated to the story.