The mountain wind howled, whipping sand into the air. Several helicopters landed majestically in a large open space, disgorging many well-trained subordinates. Their muscular builds and sharp gazes spoke of exceptional martial prowess. However, everyone ignored the subordinates, their attention riveted on a man who exuded immense power.

His features were sharply defined, his dark eyes bright and piercing. His cold gaze swept across the crowd; none dared to meet its intensity. Stunned into silence, the onlookers could only watch, mesmerized, as this elegant, powerful man descended from the sky like a god. A mixture of awe, envy, and fear washed over them; they knew they could never hope to match him. It was Richard, head of Lovell City's premier company.

His arrival sent a shockwave through the assembled crowd.

“It’s Richard! The big boss of Lovell City!”

“I… I… I can’t believe it! I’ve only ever seen his photos in magazines. He’s even more handsome in person!” The girls gasped, nearly fainting with excitement. Their hearts pounded, their eyes darting nervously between glances at him.

Amidst the murmurs, Henry, believing himself clever, whispered to his teammates, “The big boss probably heard about what happened and came to rescue his nephew!”

This explanation met with general agreement. Kenneth was Richard’s nephew, after all. They owed Kenneth a debt of gratitude.

Henry, rubbing his hands, nudged Kenneth. “Mr. Harper, could you introduce me later? My family has a project… we’d like to collaborate…”

It was a pipe dream. He rarely had the chance to meet Richard. This was not only a chance to see him, but perhaps to network through Kenneth. Kenneth usually wouldn't refuse such a request, but this time, he hesitated. He knew Richard hadn't come for him.

That thought barely crossed his mind before he saw Richard disembarking from the helicopter and heading straight towards him…only to pass him by without a glance, walking instead toward Tiffany, who sat under a tree.

Kenneth felt a mixture of apprehension and disappointment. Richard, only seven years older, was a figure of both respect and fear. The depth in Richard’s sharp gaze was inscrutable.

Just as he was about to greet him, Richard strolled past, ignoring him completely, heading straight for Tiffany under the shade of a tree.

Kenneth realized he’d been mistaken. The onlookers were dumbfounded. Tiffany, however, remained composed, even chuckling softly as she tilted her head. “Richard, are you here for me?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Richard raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on Tiffany. Seeing she was unharmed, the tension he’d carried visibly eased.

“I’m fine,” Tiffany blinked. “In fact, I acquired a tiger. I want to take it away in two days. I wonder if the training base will allow it?”

She’d chosen this moment strategically, hoping to leverage Richard’s considerable influence in Lovell City. The training base would hardly refuse.

Richard understood her ploy. He hated being manipulated, yet he found himself not only unbothered by her blatant maneuver but eager to help. He addressed the training base instructors casually, “This tiger is mine.”

“Yes, sir!” The instructors hastily agreed, wiping sweat from their brows. They dared not refuse; Richard's influence was too great. They couldn't afford to offend him. Indeed, much of the training base's equipment had been donated by Richard—more than the base's construction cost.

Richard had his reasons, of course. He leaned in to whisper to Tiffany, “I’ll help you care for it. You can visit anytime at Royal Bay.” He’d anticipated that her family would object to keeping a tiger.

Tiffany's original plan had been to leave the tiger temporarily with a healer, making visits difficult. The ownership issue was now solved. Overjoyed, her smile radiated. “Royal Bay is large. If you keep it in the back mountains, I won't worry.” She spoke impulsively, then realized she'd almost revealed something; she'd never been to Royal Bay as Tiffany, yet her familiarity was evident.

Quickly changing the subject, she hoped he hadn't noticed. “You must be very busy. I’m fine, go back. Sorry for wasting your time.”

Seeing Richard didn’t move, Tiffany gently pushed him towards the helicopter.

The onlookers were stunned. Even more shocking was that Tiffany pushed Richard, and the legendary woman-averse tycoon didn't react angrily; a hint of tenderness softened his handsome face. He let her have her way.

By the time they recovered from the shock, Richard was already leaving with Tiffany. The powerful helicopters rose, shrinking into distant black dots.

Except for Tiffany, everyone was petrified, questioning if they’d hallucinated. Kenneth, privy to some inside information, knew his uncle was interested in Tiffany. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been punished with fifty lashes last time! He'd spent half a month in the hospital. He was prepared, but still felt a pang of frustration.

Henry’s jaw dropped in astonishment. His attempt to network through Kenneth had backfired spectacularly.

Tiffany, sensing the shift in attitudes, raised an eyebrow and smiled indifferently. “The mission isn't over yet. Let’s go.” She led the way.

The remainder of their journey was remarkably smooth. Unlike before, when she was constantly targeted, Tiffany now had people fanning her, offering water, and shielding her from the sun. She merely gave orders; others did the work.

When Sandra caught up, her astonishment was palpable.