Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

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.

how to respond, but he didn't want to reveal his source. Instead, he nodded and admitted,

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

her. "That

help but ask, "Why did you come all the way here to tell me?" With nothing left between them, she was puzzled by his visit. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ (ꜰind)ɴʘvel.nᴇt website on

the steering wheel and gazing ahead. After a brief silence, he said,

her ears and found his apology ridiculous. "Why are you apologizing? What did you

he lost

calm, but a hint of fatigue was unmistakable. "I'm apologizing for my words earlier

had made hurtful comments. However, it seemed that

need to apologize. It's fine. I'm just an outsider so it wasn't

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