Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Pearl thought Hugo had forgotten about that, but it appeared he had reserved such a trick up his sleeve.

After finishing her work at noon, she headed to the restaurant on the third floor for lunch. As she sat down with her plate of chicken chop, someone unexpectedly took a seat across from her.

Assuming it was just someone looking for a table, Pearl continued eating until she noticed the person's lingering presence. Looking up, she saw Hugo's arrogant smile.

"It's been a long while, Pearl."

"Not that long, just about a week. Feeling better, Hugo?" Pearl replied casually, unaware of the growing animosity in Hugo's expression.

Hugo had taken a few days off to recover, nursing a sprained arm from their recent encounter when he was pushed off a car. He felt embarrassed when Pearl brought up the incident as if it were a joke.

"Why are you here? And why the happy face? Came to watch me make a fool of myself?"

Hugo rubbed his chin. With few people around, he leaned in and said, "Heard Martin paid you a visit this morning, didn't he?"

"You're well-informed, Mister Hugo. Makes one wonder if you've got spies in Cerubleu," Pearl quipped.

"What are you talking about? I just have someone stalking the Jesselton family."

Surprised by his answer, Pearl set her fork down, intrigued. "And why did you do that?" She wondered if he wanted to see Martin exact revenge on her and revel in her downfall.

"Naturally, I'm worried about your safety since I've got someone keeping an eye on them," Hugo explained.

Pearl found his concern absurd. "Why should you care? Aren't you mad at me for taking that knife for Richard?"

"Why would I hate you? Pearl, I'm just devastated and jealous that you saved him. But I still care about you, and I want you back even more," Hugo admitted, becoming agitated and gripping her hand.

Her hand felt cold, making him feel hopeless.

But Pearl was not in a rush to pull away. Instead, she stared at him coldly. "Hugo, get real."

Hugo's passion dwindled at her words. "Aren't I? My goal has always been simple. I just want to have you."

Pearl withdrew her hand. "Your goal is to beat Richard and take over Waldorf Enterprises. Don't pretend to be some knight in shining armor."

She had never believed Hugo's love was genuine. He saw her as a pawn in his rivalry with Richard, and his feelings for her were secondary.

"I'm well aware of that." Hugo gnashed his teeth.

"You don't have to say such disgusting words," Pearl refuted, adding casually, "How long are you going to stay here? Richard's coming later. Want to meet him?"

After a short hesitation, Hugo reluctantly let go. He still refused to meet Richard.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

"Just leave if you've got nothing else to say," Pearl said rudely, picking up her tray and leaving, her appetite gone.