Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

But Hugo's words failed to provoke any reaction from Richard. If Hugo truly orchestrated their separation, then he had to admit Hugo was not as dumb as he had imagined.

"So, Rick, it seems you and Pearl aren't meant to be. Why don't you just step aside and let me take care of her? You don't have to worry," Hugo suggested, a smirk playing on his lips. He knew exactly which buttons to push to rile Richard up.

"Don't hold your breath. Pearl would never choose you even if it wasn't me," Richard retorted, confident in Pearl's feelings for him.

Hugo's smug expression faltered as he gnashed his teeth. "Don't act so cocky. You're not right for her. But I'll make the most of this situation once you two break up."

"You've got quite the imagination," Richard remarked dryly before turning on his heel and leaving.

Hugo seethed with frustration. Richard's calmness only served to annoy him further.

But Hugo wouldn't give up. He knew exactly what he needed to do next.

Observing from a discreet distance, Hugo waited until Richard had left the hospital before making his way to the investigation room.

Entering quietly, Hugo caught the doctor off guard. "Mister Hugo, what brings you here?" the doctor asked, surprised to see him.

Hugo was renowned as one of the most distinguished seniors during his college years, achieving a level of success unmatched by anyone who followed. Lecturers often displayed his photograph with pride, some basking in the glory of having taught or interacted with him.

Moreover, his good looks garnered him an extensive fanbase. Indeed, it was rare for anyone not to be charmed by someone both gentle and attractive.

Rumor had it that numerous young women enrolled in his course simply because of his presence, willing to endure the rigorous demands just to be near him. The situation was, admittedly, quite intense.

Hugo, however, eventually ceased practicing medicine and vanished from the professional scene.

Nonetheless, the doctor was overjoyed to see him.

"Just here to pick up some medication," Hugo replied with a charming smile, sensing the doctor's eagerness to assist him. Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

The doctor quickly offered him a seat and poured him a glass of water. "If there's anything you need, Mister Hugo, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll do everything in my power to assist you."

Hugo waved off the offer. "No need for that. I just wanted to ask if my brother was here earlier."

Brother?

The doctor recalled Richard's visit for a DNA investigation. Indeed, the person who came for the registration was Hugo's brother, the eldest son of the Waldorfs.

"Yes, he provided me with the necessary data to conduct the investigation. He seemed quite determined to know if the two people are biologically related," the doctor confirmed, curious about Richard's inquiry. "But what does he want to investigate? Does your family have other kids?"

Hugo couldn't help but smile at the doctor's curiosity. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. No need for gossip," he replied cryptically, deflecting the doctor's questions.

The doctor nodded, expressing his agreement.

Satisfied with the response, Hugo changed the subject. "May I see the data?"