Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Esther felt like crying, but she refused to do so in front of this woman or in public.

"Alright, don't cry. You shouldn't come back here anymore. Mister James doesn't want to see you," the woman remarked, seeing Esther's change in expression. She handed her a napkin, perhaps feeling sorry for her.

Esther accepted the napkin, wiped her tears, and let out a sigh. "I understand now."

"Good. So don't show up here again," the woman advised.

"I mean I understand, but that's exactly why I'll keep coming back!" Esther declared.

The woman wanted to take back the napkin. "Why are you so stubborn? Can't you see how he looked at you with disdain? Why would you still stick around?"

"You've only seen him look disdainful, but have you considered that side of him only came out because I'm the only one who could make him so angry?" Esther argued. That meant she was important to him, or he wouldn't have been so upset.

"I give up. You're like a persistent little dog," the woman said with an eye roll, but her tone wasn't entirely negative. "You don't look ugly, and your voice is nice. Why would you keep throwing yourself at him?"

Esther shook her head and took a sip of water. "Because I know he loves me and can't forget about me, and I still have a chance. Why shouldn't I try?"

"How can you think you have a chance?" The woman was done discussing this and turned her attention to a new arrival, prompting her to tell Esther, "You should leave now."

Esther burst out laughing. "Alright. What's your name?"

"Why? Are you planning to file a complaint?" The woman eyed her cautiously. She didn't believe Esther would easily become her friend after their confrontation, even if she wasn't wicked. They had almost started a fight, and she had even spilled water on her.

"No. I think you're quite adorable," Esther replied, thinking the woman was a bit arrogant but not malicious. If she wanted to keep coming back to see James, perhaps this woman could help her.

"I'm Summer Novak."

Esther looked at her face and repeated, "Summer Novak. That's a beautiful name."

Placing her hands on her hips, Summer proudly said, "Of course. My mom went through a lot of names before picking this one for me."

Realizing that James's visitor was about to come out, Summer urged Esther, "The visitor is here to see Mister James, and he'll be out soon. Leave before he sees you, or else."

"Or else what?" Esther paused. NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

"Are you stupid? We'll be in trouble!" Summer rolled her eyes and opened the door. "Just go. If you want to talk to him, come back tomorrow at 3 pm. He has an empty slot, but don't tell him I told you!"

Esther jumped in excitement and gave her a quick peck on her cheek. "Thanks, Summer. I'll be back tomorrow!"