Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

"We can do another test if you don't believe this, as long as you promise not to tamper with it," Richard agreed openly to another test.

Hugo finally accepted the truth, but self-doubt gnawed at him. What had gone wrong?

But Richard had no time to entertain Hugo's thoughts. He neatly stowed away the reports and led Pearl out of the room.

Excitedly, Pearl wrapped her arms around Richard's neck once they were outside. "What's going on? Why aren't we biologically related?" She found it incredulous. It felt like a miracle that they weren't related.

"I'm not sure, but the fact remains we aren't biologically related," Richard replied.

Puzzled, Pearl frowned. "It's weird. I'm Mom's child, but I'm not your cousin. Could it be..."

A sudden realization dawned on both of them at the same time. This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

"We might be onto something," Richard acknowledged, sensing Pearl's train of thought.

"Do you remember what Mom told me? She went missing after jumping off the building. Maybe something happened when she was unconscious," Pearl suggested.

Richard considered this. "It's been too long. We might not get answers, and I'm not sure if she can handle it. I'll look into it discreetly."

Pearl nodded and smiled. "Regardless, I'm very happy we're not cousins."

"Me too." Richard bent over and pecked her cheek.

Pearl felt a warmth spread through her at the gesture. She was no longer repulsed by his touch; instead, she felt an overwhelming happiness.

They made their way home quickly.

Saule was watching TV, but her expression soured when she saw them holding hands.

"Didn't I tell you? Given your relationship, you can't keep doing this," she scolded. While she generally refrained from meddling, she felt compelled to reprimand Pearl on this matter.

"Mom, you don't need to worry," Pearl reassured gently. "We're not biologically related. We can still be together."

Saule stood up in astonishment. "How can that be? I... Richard's uncle took advantage of me, and you were born. How is it that you two aren't related?"

Pearl shook her head and retrieved the reports from her bag, handing them to Saule. "We're not sure of the details, but the reports say Richard and I aren't biologically related. However, you and I are."

Saule found this hard to believe. Another possibility struck her. "Are you suggesting that I might have... had you with another man?"

The thought was devastating for Saule, shattering the acceptance she had found after so many years. Moreover, it seemed highly likely that she had been with this other man while unconscious.

This revelation was a fatal blow for her.