Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

The doctor seemed conflicted by Hugo's request, furrowing his brows with hesitation. "We have strict rules about confidentiality here. I can't simply show private investigation results to others."

Hugo's disappointment was obvious, but the doctor quickly backtracked, fearing he had offended him.

"However, if you're insistent, Mister Hugo, I suppose I can make an exception," he relented, knowing he couldn't afford to defy Hugo. "But you must promise not to tell this to anyone else. I could lose my job."

The doctor glanced around nervously before retrieving the data Richard had provided. "Please make it quick. The dean will be conducting an inspection soon, and it might not look good if he finds us," he cautioned.

Hugo nodded appreciatively, taking a cursory glance at the report before returning it discreetly. "Understood. Just put it back."

Relieved that Hugo hadn't caused any trouble, the doctor sighed in relief. "Of course, Mister Hugo. Feel free to come here if you need anything else."

Hugo nodded, then suggested, "Why don't we exchange numbers? We can talk if I need your help."

The doctor, flattered by the request, quickly obliged, failing to see Hugo's smirk. Content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

*

Meanwhile, Pearl and Richard kept a respectful distance from each other over the following days, awaiting the results of the investigation.

The biggest problem was not the divorce but how to make the Waldorf family accept their impending divorce. Luckily, Dustan and Susan were away on a trip, and the other Waldorfs were not home. This allowed Saule to stay there with peace of mind.

When the results were finally ready, Pearl and Richard headed to the hospital together.

As they entered the investigation room, they were greeted by the doctor, who handed Richard the report. "Mister Richard, here are the results."

Before Richard could read it, a familiar voice interrupted them. "What a coincidence, Rick! Meeting you here again."

Turning, Richard's expression soured at the sight of Hugo, whose presence Pearl instinctively recoiled from.

Hugo immediately noticed her reaction, and a sense of desolation hit him. Pearl wanted nothing but to stay far away from him.

"I don't want to see you," Richard declared to Hugo without hesitation.

"Just passing by. Didn't expect to find you here, the DNA investigation room, of all places." Hugo feigned ignorance.

Richard dismissed him with a terse reply. "It's none of your business."

Intent on avoiding further interaction with Hugo, Richard placed the report back in the envelope and decided to examine it later.

Hugo, however, persisted. "Come on, Rick. Let's see what the report says. We were brothers, after all."

Pearl rolled her eyes and said rudely, "There's no need for such disgusting comments at this point."

"Pearl, how could you say that? I'm just concerned about Rick." Hugo remained indifferent, knowing their moods would worsen after reading the report. He was not one to care about the people he had defeated.

"Thanks for your concern, but we're leaving," Richard replied, taking Pearl's hand.

But Hugo stood in their way. "Rick, since you have the report, why not take a moment to look at it?" He was insistent on them reading the report then and there.