Pearl didn't forget that her mission was to find Esther and James. "I have something important to attend to, and I 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?"

Since James was new money who had recently returned to the country, Pearl couldn't fathom any connection between them.

to reveal his source. Instead, he nodded and

was bluffing. She couldn't see why Richard, whose brother was engaged to Esther, would assist another man

looked at her. "That

all the way here to tell me?" With nothing left between

you," Richard replied, gripping the steering wheel and gazing ahead. After a brief silence, he said,

found his apology ridiculous. "Why are

lost

a hint of fatigue was unmistakable.

line and had made hurtful comments. However,

indifference. "No need to apologize. It's fine. I'm just an outsider so it wasn't my place to get involved

narrowed. "Just listen when I'm apologizing. Don't

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255