Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Richard almost said no, but Pearl quickly grabbed his hand, stopping him from sending the text.

"Agree to it. I want to see what he has planned," she said.

Richard gently touched her hair, noticing she looked tired. "I'm just worried he'll say something nasty to you." Richard wasn't one to hide his feelings, and his blunt honesty was sometimes off-putting. His intense gaze alone could make others feel uneasy.

Pearl, however, smiled confidently. "Don't worry, I've got a plan. Besides, he won't be smirking much longer.' That Saturday afternoon, they decided on a tand met at Sapphire Group's office. It was their first visit there. Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

The office's monochromatic design was more unsettling than welcoming. It seemed Hugo liked making people feel on edge, even with his choice of decor.

The receptionist recognized them immediately, nodded, and led them to Hugo's office.

Upon entering, they saw Hugo, who was nonchalantly spinning a pen, not bothering to stand or offer a warm greeting.

"Is this how you welcyour guests who call the way here?" Richard asked.

"You've traveled far, but we're old friends here, not guests. Make yourselves at home," Hugo replied, his attention fixed on Pearl since they arrived.

Richard stepped in front of Pearl, shielding her from Hugo's gaze. Hugo's smile faded a little.

"I'm sure you know why we're here." Richard led Pearl to a couch and sat down.

Hugo nodded. "Of course. Everyone here is interested in buying Waldorf Enterprises." His tone dripped with sarcasm, suggesting they were desperate, but Richard chose to ignore it and get straight to the point. "What's your offer, Mister Hugo?" Hugo, playing coy, wasn't ready to dive into business. "Rick, we're like family here. No need for formalities, just callby my name, like old times." ŚwPearl took the chance and nodded with a smile. "I'm your sister-in-law then." "Sister-in-law? But weren't you two divorced?" Hugo questioned, staring at them intently to try to see through their actions.

The news had portrayed their relationship as strained, especially after the divorce. Yet, their current closeness suggested otherwise. Were the rumors a strategic move to distract everyone? Hugo looked anxious.

et "We may be divorced, but we still respect our past," Pearl explained, looking at Richard but addressing Hugo. "Is it easy for you to just forget someone?" Hugo's tone went cold. "You have a point. I can't just forget someone who's always on my mind. However, I think my chance is coming soon." "Opportunities are made, not waited for."