Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Richard stood outside the company in a sleek black suit, appearing as though he had just come from his own company. His gaze was directed downward, revealing a prominent nose bridge and pale lips. His overall demeanor exuded a sense of gentleness, yet concealed within was a sharp coldness.

Pearl stood from a distance, her emotions complicated.

As Richard scrutinized her with a hint of icy indifference, he finally spoke in frustration, "Why are you keeping your distance? Are you afraid I'll do something to you?"

Strangely, Pearl didn't feel hurt or upset by his tone, even though he sounded as though he hated her. She obediently closed the gap between them and couldn't help but inwardly chastise herself. She questioned whether she was a lovestruck fool for being so compliant.

Richard took a step closer, looming tall before her.

"Why did you come here?" Pearl knew that Richard wouldn't have come just to see her.

narrowed his sharp gaze. "It's my mom's birthday today. She asked me to

pursed her lips. "We're no longer together so why should I go?"

responded coldly, "She just

felt uncomfortable attending such an event given their changed relationship. Attempting to negotiate, she asked,

she could finish, Richard had already gotten back into the

believed he was about to drive away, he lowered the window and spoke in a low voice, "In

decline a direct request from Susan, who had been kind to

you drive me there? It's just that there might be traffic during peak hours, and I could be late if take a taxi. I'm not trying to take

said firmly, "Why do you think I came

got into the back