Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Winona panicked as the plot that seemed to be falling into place took an unexpected turn.

"Dad, my friends already know about the wedding. The invitations have been sent out. If we back out now, it'll be a scandal for our family!" she protested desperately.

Martin took a deep breath, struggling to control his frail heart. "So you understand the stakes here! It's not just your reputation on the line, it's the honor of the Jesselton family!" Winona's expression wavered. "Dad!"

Martin turned his attention to Richard, who remained calm, and forced a faint smile. "Mister Richard, I need to speak with Winona privately. I'd appreciate it if you could give us some space." Richard discerned the gravity of the situation and acquiesced with a slight nod. There was no doubt that this was a request for him to leave.

He nodded slightly, glanced at Winona, and made his exit.

uncertainty hit her. Was Richard upset with her? Was her father being too harsh on

shout snapped her back to

apprehensive as she followed him into the study. Once inside, she spoke timidly, "Dad, I

I don't want to see you suffer. Look at Richard. Does he truly care about you?

"But once we're married, won't

You're making it sound too simple." Martin chuckled coldly. "If you think getting married is all it takes to tie down a man, then be prepared to discover him seeing another woman one

settling into resolve. "Because I don't want you to end up

you telling me you were forced

your mother then. I had feelings for someone else, but she fell ill. I agreed to

Winona reeling with a mix of shock