Pearl didn't forget that her mission was to find Esther and James. "I have something important to attend to, and | don't have time
for a chat," she declared, prepared to leave.
"No need to search. Esther is safe," Richard responded with a knowing smile as Pearl turned away.
Turning back around, Pearl inquired, "How do you know who I'm looking for?"
Richard found it rather amusing. "Why do you think I'm here?"
He didn't seem to be joking, so Pearl hesitantly got into the car.
Once the door closed, she found herself momentarily captivated by Richard's eyes. However, after a pause, she asked, "I'd like to
know how you found out. Did James text you?"
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Since James was new money who had recently returned to the country, Pearl couldn't fathom any connection between them.
Richard was uncertain about how to respond, but he didn't want to reveal his source. Instead, he nodded and admitted, "Yes, he
texted me."
Though he answered readily, Pearl believed he was bluffing. She couldn't see why Richard, whose brother was engaged to Esther,
would assist another man in trying to win her over. "Esther is your brother's fiancee. Why would you help another man steal her
away?"
Richard casually looked at her. "That doesn't concern me."
Pausing for a moment, Pearl couldn't help but ask, "Why did you call the way here to tell me?" With nothing left between
them, she was puzzled by his visit.
"I naturally have something to say to you," Richard replied, gripping the steering wheel and gazing ahead. After a brief silence, he
said, "I'm sorry."
Pearl couldn't believe her ears and found his apology ridiculous. "Why are you apologizing? What did you do?"
Had he lost his mind?
Richard's eyes remained calm, but a hint of fatigue was unmistakable. "I'm apologizing for my words earlier tonight."
Suddenly, Pearl recalled that he had been somewhat out of line and had made hurtful comments. However, it seemed that he had
only apologized to maintain his facade of politeness.
Pearl felt a surge of anger. She waved dismissively and feigned indifference. "No need to apologize. It's fine. I'm just an outsider so
it wasn't my place to get involved in your family's issues. | should be the one apologizing."
Richard's eyes narrowed. "Just listen when I'm apologizing. Don't say anything."
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Pearl was taken aback and felt uneasy, so she raised her voice. "If you're apologizing just for the sake of it, there's no need to
call the way here. | don't accept your apology, and | don't have the right to forgive you." With that, she opened the car door
and stepped out.
"Very well, | need to remind you, Mister Richard," Pearl turned around with a smile, her tone firm. "Please avoid meetingalone
from now on. | wouldn't want Miss Winona to be upset."
Richard struggled to find words, but seeing the frostiness in her eyes, his heart ached. "Understood," he replied, lowering his head
to conceal his emotions.
"I'm leaving now." Pearl took a deep breath and smiled gently.
"Sure." After taking one last look at her, Richard drove away without hesitation.
Pearl felt her strength drain from her body, and she nearly collapsed to the ground.