Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

"No, I'm not that bothered. I just find it weird."

Richard pulled her into his arms to comfort her. "I know it's not just about Mister Elijah. There's something else going on. And I can sense what Silas is up to."

"Yeah, right."

"So, you don't have to worry. I won't let him off if he's still interested in you," Richard said, sounding jealous and childish.

Pearl smoothed his jacket and playfully pinched his nose. "Don't worry. I know."

They were about to leave when a group of people barged into the office with urgency. Leading them were several police officers accompanied by some nosy employees.

"Mister Richard, we've received a complaint about illegal tax evasion in your business. Please come with us," one of the officers said, flashing his ID.

As a result, Richard and Pearl's plans for a meal were dashed, and instead, they had to accompany the police to the station.

Before leaving, Pearl noticed a smug smile on a man in the crowd—Silas.

She made a mental note of it.

*

At the police station, Richard was taken into the interrogation room while Pearl waited anxiously in the reception area.

One of the officers questioned Richard sternly. "Mister Richard, is it true that you've been evading taxes for the past six months?"

"Don't you need evidence before you arrest someone?" Richard retorted, his expression serious.

"We called you in for questioning based on a report we received," the officer replied. He had investigated many people before, but this was the first time he felt nervous.

"Go ahead."

"We received a report this morning alleging tax evasion over the past six months. Upon investigation, we found that you failed to pay taxes on time this month," the officer explained.

Richard asked solemnly, "This month?"

"Yes, the Treasury Department has sent multiple reminders, but you haven't responded."

The officers were well aware of Richard's reputation for being difficult, but due to the report, they couldn't handle the matter discreetly. They had to interrogate him openly.

"I'm not so sure about that. Why don't you let me speak to the head of the finance department at my company?" Richard suggested.

The officer cleared his throat. "Based on the current situation, you've been operating your company illegally. We may need to take disciplinary action."

"What kind of punishment are we talking about?" Richard asked, his gaze steady.

"Seven...three days of detention," the officer replied, adjusting his initial sentence due to Richard's intense stare.

"Three days?" Richard repeated.

"One day will do..." The officer trailed off, feeling guilty.

"Tell me, who put you up to this?" Richard's tone shifted, his whisper carrying a chilling edge. Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

"Why are you asking that? I'm just doing my job..." The officer answered weakly, avoiding Richard's gaze.

"Nice try. I may be a businessman, but I know enough about the law to know I shouldn't be detained under these circumstances. Who's behind this? Tell me the truth," Richard demanded, his voice low and threatening.

"I swear, it's not… I'm just following procedures…"