Tiffany gritted her teeth and looked around. She thought, "Felix must be nearby. Perhaps he's watching me. What a pervert! He'll do anything to force me to do something I don't want to do."

"However, this is good," she continued. "Since he's taken the initiative, I don't need to investigate his whereabouts. As for the party tomorrow… If everything goes well, I'll eliminate this poisonous snake!"

Tiffany lowered her eyes, tapped her fingertips lightly, and quickly sent a message. She casually slipped her phone into her pocket. The distant crowd erupted again.

Then, a loud bang—an explosion—startled everyone, causing screams. Dust and sand rained down. Tiffany's heart skipped a beat, followed by anger. She thought, "I agreed to his terms over the phone. Why did the bomb still go off?"

Piffany (This should be Tiffany) suddenly ran forward, her hands and feet trembling. She didn't know how Richard Eric was doing. She ran, but stopped when she saw the scene before her.

Amidst the dust and sand, the bomb-damaged bushes were ablaze. Red flames and black smoke filled the sky. However, a tall figure slowly approached.

Richard, in a black suit, looked tall, strong, and slender. He appeared unharmed. His posture was calm as he strolled toward her. Tiffany blinked. Eric, safe and sound, stood beside him.

"Tiffany!" Eric rushed toward her, his eyes red from fear, but he held back his tears.

"It's okay," Tiffany comforted him. "Eric, were you taken from school?"

"Yes," Eric nodded. "I went to the bathroom during second period. As soon as I came out, I was knocked unconscious. I didn't even see who attacked me!"

Tiffany rubbed his head. "Don't think about it. It's good you're okay."

Since Selena's previous kidnapping, the Kelley family had provided Eric with chauffeurs and bodyguards, but some threats were unavoidable. This time, Eric was taken silently from school; he might be targeted at home next time. These were Felix's warnings. Tiffany's eyes darkened. She met Richard's deep gaze.

She quickly handed Eric to a panting Charlie and ran to Richard. "How are you? Are you alright?"

He almost said he was fine, but seeing the worry in Tiffany's eyes, he changed his mind. His face tense, he lowered his eyes. "The wound is torn."

Tiffany exclaimed, "What?" She thought, A torn wound is serious, especially with his existing injuries. Infection is a risk! She said goodbye to Charlie and helped Richard down the mountain. "Your wound needs treatment. Come, I'll take you back."

They went down the mountain; the cemetery had no medical supplies.

"Okay," Richard replied, a faint smile in his dark eyes.

They got into the car. The driver, a stranger, looked surprised but quickly nodded. "Mr. Hampton, where are we going?"

Tiffany asked, "Why isn't John here?"

"I gave him a break," Richard replied, winking at the driver. The driver started the car and sped toward Royal Bay.

Tiffany smelled blood and grew anxious. "Take off your jacket. Let me see your injuries."

Richard leaned against the seat, pulled Tiffany into his arms.

"Hey, you'll hurt your wound!" Tiffany feared contact with his injury. She hesitated, anxious, her face reddening.

Richard gently pressed her head, causing her to fall completely into his arms. His strong heartbeat was like thunder. The smell of blood intensified.

Tiffany sighed and stopped struggling. Richard was stubborn; he wouldn't let go even if he bled to death.

"I'm sorry," Tiffany hugged his waist, her voice muffled. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I didn't mean what I said that day. I just… I was just…" She struggled to explain, but couldn't fully articulate her situation due to Felix's threats.

Richard hugged her, frowning slightly. "Just what?"

"It was just… an accident," Tiffany said, planning to explain after dealing with Felix tomorrow. She needed to eliminate Felix to regain control and explain the hypnosis.

Tiffany closed her eyes. Richard frowned, his lips moving, but he didn't press further.

They arrived at Royal Bay. The driver opened the car door. Tiffany looked up, opened Richard's suit, revealing a blood-soaked shirt. "Quick, the first aid kit," she told Richard's subordinate, helping him out. "Be careful."

Richard got out unhurriedly, rubbed Tiffany's head, and smiled. "Don't worry, I'm fine."

"How can you say that when your wound is torn open?" Tiffany rolled her eyes. She thought, He really doesn't take care of himself!

His smile deepened. "You're right, honey," he said teasingly and affectionately.